PNG Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill today expressed sympathy and extended condolences to the families of people who lost their lives in Vanuatu as a result of Tropical Cyclone Pam.
He extended the condolences on behalf of the government and nation of Papua New Guinea, to the people of Vanuatu.
Mr O’Neill said that it is unclear, at this stage, if any Papua New Guineans were among the people killed or injured in the cyclone and is awaiting for an update from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the current wet season has been destructive for many communities in the Pacific.
O’Neill says, Pacific leaders must discuss defensive measures against natural disasters in this year’s Pacific Island’s Forum. Pam has brought winds of up to 270km/h (170mph) and torrential rain.
Aid agencies say, Cyclone Pam has swept through Vanuatu leaving “complete devastation” in its wake, the BBC reports.
Tom Skirrow of Save the Children revealed that houses in the capital, Port Vila, were destroyed and “people are wandering the streets looking for help.”
Chloe Morrison, an emergency communications officer with World Vision who is in Port Vila, said that streets were littered with roofing, uprooted trees and toppled power lines.
