19 Feb 2019

Vanuatu govt says Cyclone Oma response imminent

4:10 pm on 19 February 2019

The Vanuatu government says it will respond to the damage left behind by Cyclone Oma soon.

On Rah Island, in Vanuatu's Torba province, swells whipped up by Cyclone Oma rushed  as far as 50 metres inland, according to the Red Cross.

On Rah Island, in Vanuatu's Torba province, swells whipped up by Cyclone Oma rushed as far as 50 metres inland, according to the Red Cross. Photo: Supplied / Red Cross Vanuatu

The Daily Post newspaper reported the assurance was made by the Director of the National Disaster Management Office, Abraham Nasak.

Mr Nasak said his office has received initial reports of the damage inflicted by the cyclone.

The heavy rain, strong wind and storm surges uprooted trees, destroyed homes and food crops in Torba and Sanma Province.

Approximately 76 households on the west coast of Santo have lost their food gardens to flooding and are likely to face food shortages.

The main damage reported on all islands is coastal with sea swells having reshaped many coastlines.

Reports from north Ambrym conveyed swells reaching the main road and in south Malekula water reached 30 to 40 metres inland.

Mr Nasak said preliminary assessments are underway and a team will be deployed later in the week to the affected areas.

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