Abbott speaks with Vanuatu prime minister

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has made a personal call to his Vanuatu counterpart to outline Australia's assistance after the devastation caused by Cyclone Pam.

Military planes have started flying in supplies, medical teams and engineers to the Pacific island nation, where it's feared dozens could have been killed in the category five storm.

Vanuatu Prime Minister Joe Natuman has thanked the Australian government and people for the assistance.