The storm may have passed but now comes the task of rebuilding as the people of Vanuatu pick up the pieces left behind by Cyclone Pam.
On Friday, category five Cyclone Pam brought winds of up to 300 kilometres per hour to the Pacific island nation, forcing locals and tourists to seek shelter in evacuation centres.
Around eight people have been confirmed dead and 20 have suffered serious injuries, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
The scene after Cyclone Pam swept through Vanuatu. Image: Samara Masauvakalo/Facebook
Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) Australia has advised that Vanuatu authorities declared a state of emergency in Shefa province, which includes Port Vila, on 15 March, 2015.
This may be extended to other locations once the impact from Tropical Cyclone Pam is fully assessed.
“From a tourism infrastructure perspective many resorts are reporting limited or no damage to buildings so once essential services are restored to a normal level, resorts will again be open for business.”
Sarah Anderson, Vanuatu Tourism Office Director
“In the months to come Australians will be encouraged to support Vanuatu by visiting but for the next few days the emphasis is on getting the country back on its feet.”
As people work together to pick up the pieces, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has maintained a ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ advice for Aussie travellers.
Last updated on 15 March, DFAT said the tropical cyclone caused ‘significant and widespread damage’ and caused major disruptions to air activity.
Australians in Vanuatu are being advised to follow the instructions of local authorities.
For Australians wishing to depart, Port Vila’s international airport has reopened with limited facilities.
Air Vanuatu and Virgin Australia will resume operations from Vanuatu today.
Air Vanuatu has flights planned for today, including NF11 Sydney to Vila, which departed at 6.00am and will arrive at 9.20am.
The aircraft will then fly NF10 Vila to Sydney at 11.20am arriving in Sydney at 3.15pm.
NF01 from Sydney to Vila will depart at 4.15pm and arrive at 8.00pm and NF20 will fly from Vila to Brisbane departing 10.00pm to arrive at 11.45pm.
Check in is two hours prior departure and Tuesday flight schedules to be advised.
Fiji Airways is yet to advice when its supplementary service to Port Vila will fly. The airline said it will re-asses and announce times today.
Virgin Australia says it is working to have guests rescheduled to fly as ‘quickly and safely as possible’.
Carnival Australia has donated to help rebuild Vanuatu. Image: Samara Masauvakalo/Facebook
Meanwhile, Vanuatu tourism operators have reported the following:
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 – more information to come.
Meanwhile, Carnival Australia has pledged $150,000 to assist locals.
The cruise company is working with its charity partner, Save the Children Australia, to send more teams to Vanuatu.
The Carnival Australia contribution comprises $100,000 to Save the Children’s Vanuatu relief fund and $50,000 from the existing P&O Pacific Partnership with Save the Children.
Chief Executive, Ann Sherry said the company feels a strong bond with the destination.
“The contribution being announced today is an immediate first step and we will be guided by our Save the Children partners on what more we and our passengers can do.”
Ann Sherry, Carnival Australia Chief Executive
The Red Cross has also set up an appeal to assist locals.