As Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Pam bears down on Vanuatu, we received this update from the 350 Vanuatu team, who have a team of 25 volunteers helping locals get prepared in time for the approaching storm. 350 Vanuatu coordinator, Isso Nihmei writes:

“Cyclone Pam has reached the northern islands of Vanuatu. It‘s now about 130 KM east of Maewo and 240 KM east northeast of Malekula.  Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam moved in a south southwest direction at 12 KM/HR in the past 3 hours. People are experiencing rough sea and strong winds at the moment. Red alert over Torba, Sanma, Penama and Malampa and Shefa. Yellow alert over Tafea province. In Port Vila (the capital) we are getting ready and homes are secured. Pam will reach Shefa Province around 8 pm tonight. 350 Vanuatu with 25 Volunteers are currently working together with National Disaster Management Office and trying to share warning information with the public, evacuating people to evacuation centers and registering them to get relief enough to feed them.”

You can watch a video message of him here (or keep on scrolling).

The 350 Pacific network is following the movements and impacts of Cyclone Pam closely, sharing updates on the 350 Pacific Facebook page – click here, and calling on people to join together in prayer to keep our beloved Pacific peoples safe. Here are photos of preparations in Port Vila, Vanuatu that Isso also sent through. The first photo shows Isso with some of the 350 Vanuatu volunteer relief team. Isso tells us the rest of the team were out in the field getting things ready!

350 Vanuatu team Dashing across rain Pam prep in Vanuatu

Isso took the time to record a video message as well:

 

Vanuatu Pam water

TRuck with supplies

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