Powerful Pacific cyclone devastates Vanuatu

One of the Pacific Ocean’s most powerful storms ever has ripped through Vanuatu.

Buildings have been damaged, trees uprooted and roads cut off.

Eight people are reported dead, but it is feared that number will rise substantially as the scale of devastation is established across the nation’s 83 islands.

Cyclone Pam, which it on Friday night, packed winds of up to 340 kilometres per hour.

It has left Vanuatu cut off and facing a looming threat of hunger.

The United Nations was preparing a major relief operation and Australia said it was ready to offer its neighbour whatever help it can.

Aid agencies said it is a disaster that needs an international response.