'The destruction in the capital is enormous. It is now our priority to reach the remote islands of Tafea Province, where we have been working before the cyclone, and to support people with water, sanitation, shelter and food', says Charlie Damon , Program Manager CARE Australia

Tropical Cyclone Pam struck Vanuatu with devastating force on the weekend, claiming lives and destroying homes, hospitals and crops.

The Category Five cyclone was one of the worst storms to ever hit the region. Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, has experienced significant damage, with severe damage likely in outlying provinces.

CARE is the lead agency responding in Tafea Province in the south, where 32,000 people live, and is also responding in Shefa Province.

CARE is assisting survivors in Tafea Province with urgently needed food, shelter and measures to improve water, sanitation and hygiene.

We have already supported the emergency response of the Government of Tafea with food packages consisting of rice, canned fish, canned meat, canned vegetables, eggs, noodles and bottled water.

We are also distributing seeds, shelter materials and hygiene kits, repairing water systems and building toilets to help affected communities.

We urgently need your help to reach communities devastated by Cyclone Pam.

To donate go to https://www.care.org.au/appeals/cyclone-pam/
SMS PAM to 0455 020 020
Call 1800 020 046