Damage from Pam huge in Vanuatu

CYCLONE PAM'S IMPACT ON VANUATU

DAMAGE

Death toll - 24 so far: 11 from Tafea, 8 from Efate, 5 from Tanna

At least 30 injured

At least 3300 people sheltering in 37 evacuation centres across the country

UNICEF estimates 60,000 children affected

Communications to many of the 80 islands still down

MAIN CHALLENGES

Imminent food shortages, disease

Worst hit appears to be Tanna island, more than 80 per cent of houses and buildings partially or completely destroyed

In Port Vila, access to water and electricity partially restored

SNAPSHOT OF VANUATU

65 of the 80 islands are inhabited

Total population of 267,000 - 65,000 live on main island

47,500 in the capital Port Vila

AUSTRALIA'S INVOLVEMENT:

Four military aircraft ferrying aid and carrying out assessment

$5 million aid to Australian non-government organisations, Red Cross, UN partners

Aid workers, including 56 urban search and rescue experts and 27 health professionals

Water, sanitation and shelter kits to help up to 5000 people

195 people returned to Australia on military planes (156 Australians)

Around 1400 Australians registered with high commission in Port Vila

No Australian injuries, although there are reports of a missing SA woman

AID FROM OTHER COUNTRIES

$960,868 committed by New Zealand

NZ Boeing 757, C-130 Hercules ferrying aid and personnel, rescued 89 New Zealanders

$1.37 million from European Union

$3.87 million from Britain

UK sending C-17 Hercules, 1640 shelter kits, 1900 solar lanterns with phone chargers