Within the past three days, the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu had taken a direct hit by Cyclone Pam after a sudden of direction to the West, devastating the archipelago and leaving the death toll in an unknown state. Communications with the island nation are cut off almost completely and access to clean water and power there was no better. Because of the remote nature of the island chain, assessing damage was no easy task either.
As the cleanup continues after the storm struck, countries around the world and in the region- notably Australia- have contributed to the aid for the island nation, with the International Red Cross leading the mission. Pacific Red Cross chief Aurelia Balpe told The Australian newspaper that most buildings were destroyed if not severely damaged, and that the southern section of island chains took the most direct hit from Pam. In the city of Port Villa, 90% of all homes are no more.
Helo pilots reported many iron and cement structures demolished all over, with very little buildings and structures still standing. Pam, a category 5 storm with winds over 165 mph, may be the worst storm in the South Pacific's history. With a population of 267,000 and a distance about a quarter from Australia to Hawai'i, citizens of Vanuatu describe the scene of the aftermath as "looking as if a bomb hit".
This article pertains to place, location and region, as the open Pacific Ocean is well known for cyclones, typhoons, and hurricanes alike- depending on the region. The same storm that hit Vanuatu also hit the nations of Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, all of which are island nations vulnerable to the powerful storms. Human Environment Interaction wise, Vanuatu has received a global presence in assisting its recovery.
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