Vanuatu is facing its second major storm in a week as Category 4 Cyclone Kevin delivers gale-force winds and torrential rain.
Cyclone Judy struck Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila on Wednesday, knocking off electricity and prompting some inhabitants to flee.
According to Radio New Zealand, Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau announced a state of emergency on Friday and said officials were assessing the damage.
The meteorological agency reported wind gusts of 230 kilometers (142.92 miles) per hour as Cyclone Kevin swept over Port Vila late Friday and moved into Tafea on Saturday morning.
The agency warned against seagoing for all vessels.
The National Disaster Management Agency has issued a red alert for Tafea, home to roughly 30,000 people.
As Cyclone Kevin moves southeast away from Vanuatu, winds will lessen during the next 6–12 hours.
Fiji-based UNICEF Pacific is sending emergency aid to Vanuatu.
Australia said Friday that it would deploy a 12-person assessment team and emergency supplies to Vanuatu, including shelters and water purifiers. The RAAF will assist with aerial damage assessments.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said Friday that the Australian Defence Force is working with the Pacific family to give the Ni-Vanuatu people the greatest support possible.
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