Tropical Cyclone Pam kills 8 in Vanuatu – Civil Defence Emergency in Chathams

Tropical Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu as a category five storm, causing widespread destruction, killing several people and leaving thousands displaced.

The official death toll remains at eight, with many more injured, and is expected to rise as communication begins to be restored.

According to ABC News, "Disaster relief workers and Vanuatu officials who surveyed the storm's aftermath have been left shocked by the severity of its impact."

A major bridge connecting Port Vila to the eastern part of the island destroyed by Cyclone Pam

Aerial image of damage by Cyclone Pam in Port Vila (Tom Perry/Care Australia via BBC)

Aid has begun arriving in the storm-hit nation and Aid agencies say it could be one of the worst disasters ever to hit the region, BBC reported.

Vanuatu is in "immediate" need after Cyclone Pam tore through the country at the weekend – President Baldwin Lonsdale

The president of Vanuatu says climate change is contributing to more extreme weather conditions and cyclone seasons, The Guardian reported.

Civil Defence Emergency in Chathams

A Civil Defence emergency has been declared in the Chatham Islands as residents await the arrival of Cyclone Pam.

Schools on the islands will be closed until the emergency has passed, and emergency generators are being prepared to ensure they are available for those who need them, Chatham Islands Mayor Alfred Preece said NZ Newswire.

The National Disaster Management Office in Vanuatu had activated all emergency operation centers in the country following the Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam. The Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office has issued a red alert to its residents, urging them to take shelter from Pam.

Original post: Natural Disasters List May 16, 2015