RNZ reports the cyclone, which remained a category four, lingered for much of Saturday and Sunday about 300 km off the western coast of Torba province.
The Vanuatu Meteorological Service said the cyclone had sustained winds of 185km/h at its centre, gusting as high as 235km/h.
A forecaster, Jerry Timoteo, said the cyclone's size meant most of the country would feel its effects, particularly the worst-hit Torres islands, which had been battered for days.
