12 May 2017

Teams assess cyclone damage in northern Vanuatu

12:03 pm on 12 May 2017

The northern islands of Vanuatu will today be undergoing an aerial and ground assessment following Cyclone Donna which struck a week ago.

Gale force winds hampered relief efforts this week as the cyclone continued to be felt while it moved towards New Caledonia.

The National Disaster Management Office said it was not aware of injuries or deaths.

Its director Shadrack Welegtabit said he hoped families who lost their homes could return and start rebuilding.

Mr Welegtabit said Torba province wasn't the only area to be assessed.

"There are damages to peoples houses and also damages to crops so we are now doing a proper assessment, going out not only to the islands in the Torba province, but also doing something for Sanma."

According to Mr Welegtabit, the first phase response would take place today.