TC Kevin

Within days of each other, Vanuatu experienced back-to-back cyclones and a magnitude 6.5 earthquake, destroying homes, livelihoods, infrastructure and communications.

​Acting Country Director for Save The Children, Jack French told Pacific Mornings that while Ni-Vanuatu have banded together to support one another, attention is turning towards the next generation having to deal with harsher weather occurrences.

The airport was closed following Tropical Cyclone Judy and TC Kevin which hit the island nation.

The airline said it is likely that the airport will only re-open after the passing of Tropical Cyclone Kevin which struck last night.

“At this stage, Fiji Airways expects to operate its scheduled flights between Nadi and Port Vila on Monday 6th March. We are also planning supplementary services to accommodate guests whose travel has been affected,” the airline said in a statement.

Photo file  Caption: A Fiji Airways aircraft 

The Fiji Meteorology Service says the huge weather system is moving south-east at 24km/h. It says it will be more than 12 hours before it leaves the Vanuatu group of islands.

Its winds are estimated at 165km/h, gusting up to 230km/h.

RNZ Pacific reports on Friday night the Vanuatu Meteorology Service upgraded the tropical cyclone to a category 4 before its power went out.