Australians continue to be advised to reconsider their need to travel to Vanuatu at this time as the island nation deals with the devastation left behind by Cyclone Pam.
According to the United Nations, the ‘monster’ storm, as described by the country’s president, has taken 24 lives – more are expected.
Around 30 people have been seriously injured, and 3,300 or around 70 percent of the population are now displaced and living in evacuation centres.
The storm, which brought winds of up to 300 kilometres per hour to the 65 islands on Friday night, also took out communication services making it difficult for loved ones to get in contact.
In pictures: Kiribati, Tuvalu severely damaged by storm surges and flash flooding #CyclonePam http://t.co/8JqnVXdxfK pic.twitter.com/55KdA9F1mp
— SBS News (@SBSNews) March 13, 2015
All schools have either been destroyed or damaged along with some churches.
The United Nations Children’s Fund is setting up safe spaces for children to continue with their basic education. However, the group stressed that young ones are at risk of poor health and malnutrition.
Meanwhile, Australian tourists have started making their way home as travel industry companies lend a hand to the nation.
Here’s an update on the travel situation in Vanuatu:
DFAT’s advice
The government agency is advising Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Vanuatu at this time.
Accommodation options are limited. Most hotels in Vanuatu do not have electricity or access to clean water. Hotels could close at short notice for repair, and it is unlikely that travellers will be able to find alternate accommodation should existing bookings be cancelled. A curfew is in place each night from 6.00pm until 6.00am.
Espiritu Santo remains open
For travellers keen to keep holiday plans to Vanuatu – Santo is still operating as normal.
According to Village de Santo Resort, Cyclone Pam passed the island of Santo causing only minor damage.
The island still have clean water, power and plenty of food.
All resorts and businesses are operating as normal, however, the island still has no communication.
Turtle Bay Resorts satellite system is being used by the community to send out emails and to keep up with information on Port Vila ‘s terrible situation.
“If our Island can keep receiving the visitors, businesses in Santo will survive the crisis situation in the months to come.”
Beverley Anti, Village de Santo
Air services
The airport terminal in Port Vila has sustained damage and is operating limited commercial flights.
Priority is currently being given to passengers with existing bookings.
Air Vanuatu will fly normal scheduled operations between Australia and Vanuatu and New Zealand and Vanuatu from today.
Virgin Australia will operate flight VA171 from Brisbane to Port Vila, Vanuatu today, departing Brisbane at 6.30am and arriving at 10.10am local time.
Flight VA170 is scheduled to depart Port Vila at 12.10pm local time and arrive in Brisbane at 2.10pm AEST, Tuesday 17 March 2015.
Fiji Airways confirmed a supplementary flight B737 operated last night and is yet to detail future operations.
Cruise
Carnival Legend’s South Pacific cruise, which departed Sydney on the weekend has been revised following the damage caused in Vanuatu in the wake of Cyclone Pam.
The ship originally scheduled to call at Vila, Santo and Mystery Island on 19, 20 and 21 March. However, Carnival Cruise Lines said it will now visit Santo on 19 March and Lifou in New Caledonia on 21 March, followed by scheduled calls to Noumea and Isle of Pines.
P&O Pacific Dawn was also scheduled to call at Vila tomorrow during a cruise from Brisbane. However, the call will not go ahead and the ship’s itinerary has been revised.
Carnival Australia’s CEO Ann Sherry said it could be some time before cruise ships call at Vila again.
“But we want to resume voyages as soon as authorities give the all clear because cruise tourism is the mainstay of the Vanuatu economy and it will be vital to help the country rebuild.”
Ann Sherry, Carnival Australia CEO
Accommodation
Sunset Bungalows: Sustained some damage. Guests moved to Chantilly’s on the Bay.
Chantilly’s on the Bay: Small amount of damage. Wharf has been washed away.
The Terraces: Minor ceiling damage to the reception. Open for business.
Mangoes Resort: Sustained minimal damage. Open for business.
Vale Vale: Minimal damage to resort and repairs will be made as soon as power is restored. Open for business.
Iririki Island Resort: Early reports suggest the property sustained significant damage.
Ocean Blue Vanuatu: Minimal damage to some lodges in the resort.
The Havannah: The road to the resort is gone. Resort sustained significant damage.
Warwick Le Lagon: Damage sustained by resort, total impact not yet confirmed.
Benjour Beach Club: Sustained minor damage to resort, will remain closed for one month.
Poppys on the Lagoon: Sustained limited damage, unable to accept new guests for a few days.
Vila 25: Sustained minimal damage. Open for business.
The Melanesian: No major damage but no power. Some inconvenience to new guests in the coming weeks.
Moorings: No major damage but no power. Some inconvenience to new guests in the coming weeks.
Coconut Palms Resort: Sustained minimal damage and will be closed for up to three weeks.
Mariner Apartments: Sustained minimal damage.
Contributions
Carnival team loading water and a generator to Carnival Legend.
Carnival Legend departed Sydney this week carrying a generator and bottled water to deliver to the people of Vanuatu.
The water and the generator will be offloaded in Santo, with Carnival Cruise Line now coordinating with Save the Children for future cruises to carry much-needed construction materials, such as corrugated tin roofing and tarpaulins, to help the community rebuild after the storm.
Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Jennifer Vandekreeke said the cruise line was also collecting donations guests for the Save the Children Cyclone Pam appeal.
Meanwhile Carnival Australia has made a $150,000 donation to Save the Children to help them with the recovery efforts.
This figure has been matched by Carnival Chairman Micky Arison, who donated $150,000 to the Save the Children Australia’s relief efforts.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced an initial $5 million aid package for Vanuatu.
The Red Cross has also set up an appeal to assist locals.
Featured image: Humans of Vanuatu/Facebook