Vanuatu unscathed in Cyclone Ula’s wake

Vanuatu unscathed in Cyclone Ula’s wake
By admin


Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) has confirmed that Cyclone Ula tracked near some of country’s southern islands overnight but that no damage or injuries have so far been reported.

The category 4 cyclone brought heavy rain and strong winds to the same area devastated by the largest cyclone in the South Pacific island nation’s history last year, according to aid workers.

Disaster management authorities had issued a red alert for islands in Tafea, the southernmost of Vanuatu’s six provinces, a spokesman of CARE Australia told Reuters.

“Most people are sheltering in schools and churches, the only permanent buildings on these islands,” Sam Bolitho said. “Some people are also sheltering in caves.”

Islanders braced for winds expected to reach up to 165km/h, besides flash flooding, landslides and storm surges.

Last March, tropical cyclone Pam, a category 5 storm, the highest classification, wiped out more than 90 per cent of Vanuatu’s crops, tore up homes and power networks, killed 11 and disrupted the lives of most of its 252,800 people.

“This time, people are taking every possible precaution,” said Inga Mepham, CARE’s Vanuatu program director, adding that the aid agency was working with disaster authorities to spread the latest weather information and take precautionary measures.

However, today the VTO revealed that initial reports have been “largely positive” and confirmed that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) had not altered its usual travel advice from ‘Exercise normal safety precautions.’

“All international flights to Vanuatu are continuing as normal. Flights to the island of Tanna did experience some disruptions however flights have now resumed,” a spokesperson said.

“Latest reports indicate Cyclone Ula is moving away from Vanuatu and resorts are operating as normal.”

 

 

Latest News

  • Hotels

Groupe Barriere appoints La Collection as ANZ representative of its Fouquet’s properties

Groupe Barriere has announced it has appointed La Collection as the exclusive representative for Australia and New Zealand of its two flagship Fouquet’s properties. This partnership brings together La Collection’s dedication to exceptional boutique experiences with the legendary heritage of the Fouquet’s brand. Groupe Barriere, a name synonymous with French luxury and the art of […]

  • Conferences
  • First Nations
  • Tourism

Indigenous tourism drives economic growth: The World Travel & Tourism Council finds

Indigenous tourism is projected to contribute US$67 billion ($AU100 billion) to the global economy by 2034, a landmark World Travel & Tourism Council has found. This economic boom is fuelled by increasing demand for authentic cultural experiences, in countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States, among others. The report showcases the sector’s role […]

  • Conferences
  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

Perth’s Matagarup Zip+Climb becomes world’s first member of WTTC’s ‘Together in Travel’ for SMEs

Perth’s Matagarup Zip+Climb co-founder Ryan Mossny has been named the world’s first member of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s new ‘Together in Travel’ program for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). Announced at the 2024 Global Summit in Perth (Boorloo), today the ‘Together in Travel’ program is a unique initiative aimed at providing support and […]