The nation of Vanuatu which is spread across 13 principal islands in the south-western Pacific, has been under a state of emergency as category 4 Cyclone Kevin brought gale-force winds and torrential rain to the Pacific nation battling its second major cyclone in a week after Cyclone Judy battered Port Vila on 1 March, cutting power and forcing some residents to evacuate.
Hundreds of people remained in emergency evacuation centres in the capital Port Vila as Kevin brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall.
No casualties were reported but a number of properties have been flattened and many homes and businesses reported power outages.
Cyclone Kevin passed over Port Vila late on 3 March and was moving across the southern island province of Tafea on 4 March, bringing wind gusts in excess of 230km/h, according to the country's meteorology department.
Disaster response agencies are preparing for further damage from Cyclone Kevin and are braced for a long recovery ahead.
Related News and Resources:
