Cyclone Cook

President Philippe Germain has released a million US dollars, which means that 23 communities will each receive $US4500 for urgent repairs.

The category 3 storm crossed the main island Grande Terre, damaging homes, uprooting trees, downing power lines and destroying crops.

Mr Germain said additional funding would be given by the three provincial governments while damage assessments are continuing.

He said he had also approached the French High Commission, asking for a declaration of natural disaster in order to trigger the release of more emergency assistance.

While a full assessment is still underway, VTO reports that there has been no significant damage to infrastructure and the tourism businesses on Efate (Port Vila), Espiritu Santo and Tanna.

Airports in Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, and Tanna are open and receiving flights.

International and domestic flights are operational.

VTO has also advised all agents and consumers to check with airlines directly before travel for any schedule changes and updates.

The man went missing from Kouaoua on the east coast and late yesterday a police search was still underway.

Reports say the man went to look for keys to a house during the cyclone and never returned.

Four people were slightly injured in the category three storm which is moving south away from the territory.

The president Philippe Germain said New Caledonia was left relatively unscathed by the cyclone.

He said Houailou on the east coast where Cook made landfall on the main island was among the most damaged areas.

Public services have gradually re-opened this morning in the New Caledonian capital Noumea after the territory was battered by the cyclone.

The cyclone was now a category two storm after hitting the island as a category three and is heading south.

The latest warning advising people to limit their movements during the clear up was lifted at midday local time.

President of the government Philippe Germain praised New Caledonians for taking heed of the warnings which left the territory relatively unscathed.

Cook brought widespread flooding to the archipelago at the weekend.

The Department's planning and research officer, Peter Korisa, said there had been been some damage to crops, parts of Efate was flooded and a number people were forced to seek emergency shelter.

Mr Korisa said it was a mixed picture for disaster officials.

He said there was extensive flooding on Efate and as a result the island has WASH or water, sanitation and health issues.

The storm struck as a category 3 system when it hit yesterday but has since weakened while moving away to the south.

The alert has been lifted and people are allowed out of their homes and shelters to assess the damage. Firefighters are now out clearing debris from the island's roads.

Power has been restored to some towns in the north.

Cyclone Cook crossed the main island between Houailou and Moindou.

The storm's centre passed about 100 kilometres to the west of Noumea, sparing the territory's most densely populated areas.

The cyclone caused flooding in Vanuatu's central islands yesterday and is now set to hit New Caledonia's main island.

The storm's centre is forecast to pass to the west of the Loyalty Islands, before making landfall on the east coast of the main island Grand Terre.

Cyclone Cook will be the first to directly hit New Caledonia since 2003.

A level-one alert is in force for New Caledonia's north and outer island, meaning properties and livestock should be secured.

Cyclone Cook is now a category two storm with its centre about 50 kilometres to the northwest of Vanuatu's main island, Efate.

RNZ reports the cyclone is slow moving and is forecast to strengthen to a category 3 storm overnight as it crosses towards New Caledonia whose main island is expected to be hit tomorrow.

The Vanuatu met office says the cyclone is forecast to strengthen and have winds gusting to 130 km/h close to its centre today.

A red alert is in force for Vanuatu's Malampa and Shefa province, with destructive winds and very rough seas expected.