Small nations are quite vulnerable to catastrophic events.Cyclone Pam has "wiped out" development in Vanuatu, its president said, amid ongoing concern over residents of the Pacific nation's outlying islands
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In Port Vila, concrete buildings withstood the storm better but reports suggest as many as three-quarters of the capital's houses have been damaged or destroyed.
"There are houses that have been totally gutted, literally with a couple of timber frames still standing," Chloe Morrison, from the international children's charity World Vision, told the BBC
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Pam had already caused major damage on other Pacific islands, including Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. Tuvalu declared a state of emergency after the cyclone caused flash floods there.
Typhoon Pam was a category 5 tropical cyclone that formed in the South Pacific Ocean in March 2015. It was caused by warm ocean temperatures and low wind shear, creating ideal conditions for a powerful storm to form.
Typhoon Pam was classified as a category 5 storm, the strongest level on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. It had sustained winds of over 155 mph, with gusts reaching up to 190 mph. This made it one of the strongest cyclones to ever hit the South Pacific region.
Typhoon Pam caused widespread destruction in Vanuatu, with an estimated 90% of buildings damaged or destroyed in some areas. The storm also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including power lines, roads, and communication systems. The destruction was particularly devastating in the capital city of Port Vila.
It is estimated that over 166,000 people were affected by Typhoon Pam in Vanuatu. This includes those who were displaced from their homes, as well as those who lost access to essential services such as clean water and healthcare.
In the immediate aftermath of Typhoon Pam, the Vanuatu government, along with international organizations and neighboring countries, provided emergency aid and relief supplies to those affected. This included food, water, shelter, and medical assistance. Long-term recovery efforts, such as rebuilding homes and infrastructure, are still ongoing.