Cyclone Pam

Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam
Category 5 severe tropical cyclone (Aus scale)
Category 5 (Saffir–Simpson scale)

Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam at peak strength near Vanuatu on March 13
Formed March 6, 2015
Dissipated March 22, 2015
(Extratropical after March 15)
Highest winds 10-minute sustained: 250 km/h (155 mph)
1-minute sustained: 270 km/h (165 mph)
Lowest pressure 896 mbar (hPa); 26.46 inHg
Fatalities 15–16 total
Damage Major
Areas affected
Part of the 2014–15 South Pacific cyclone season

Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam of 2015 is regarded as one of the worst natural disasters in the history of Vanuatu.[1] A total of 15–16 people lost their lives either directly or indirectly as a result of Pam with many others injured. The storm's impacts were also felt, albeit to a lesser extent, to other islands in the South Pacific, most notably the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and New Zealand. Pam is the second most intense storm of the South Pacific Ocean according to pressure, after Zoe of 2002; Pam is also the third most intense storm in the Southern Hemisphere by the same metric, only after Zoe of 2002 and Gafilo in 2004. In addition, Pam had the highest 10-minute sustained wind speed of any South Pacific tropical cyclone; it is tied with Cyclone Orson and Cyclone Monica for having the strongest winds of any cyclone in the Southern Hemisphere. The Christian Children's Fund of Canada reported that wind gusts reached as high as 320 km/h, and thousands of homes, schools and buildings were damaged or destroyed, with an estimated 3,300 people displaced as a result.

Pam formed on March 6 east of the Solomon Islands and tracked slowly in a generally southward direction, slowly intensifying as it did so. Two days later, the disturbance reached tropical cyclone intensity and, over subsequent days, Pam gradually strengthened before reaching Category 5 cyclone status on both the Australian and Saffir–Simpson scales on March 12. The next day, Pam's sustained winds peaked at 250 km/h (155 mph) as the storm moved through Vanuatu, passing near several constituent islands and making direct hits on others. On March 14, Pam's winds began to slowly weaken, but its pressure dropped further to a minimum of 896 mbar (hPa; 26.46 inHg) before rising shortly afterwards. Over the next few days, the cyclone's weakening accelerated as it moved poleward. On March 15, Pam passed northeast of New Zealand before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone that same day.

Early in Pam's history, a damaging storm surge was felt in Tuvalu, forcing a state of emergency declaration after 45 percent of the nation's residents were displaced. Torrential rainfall occurred in the southeastern Solomon Islands, particularly in the Santa Cruz Islands. In Vanuatu, all emergency centers were activated and relief personnel were put on standby with Pam assessed as having the potential to be one of the nation's worst tropical cyclones. Catastrophic damage occurred as the storm moved through the archipelago, particularly in Efate, location of the Ni-Vanuatu capital of Port Vila; and the Tafea islands of Erromango and Tanna. The cyclone crippled Vanuatu's infrastructure: an estimated 90 percent of the nation's buildings were impacted by the storm's effects, telecommunications were paralyzed, and water shortages continue to plague the small nation. Pam later brought heavy winds and rough surf to New Zealand's North Island during its weakening stages.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the track and intensity of the storm according to the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale

On March 6, 2015, the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) reported that Tropical Disturbance 11F had developed about 1,140 kilometres (710 mi) to the northwest of Nadi, Fiji.[2] The system was located underneath an upper level ridge of high pressure and within an area favourable for further development with low-moderate vertical windshear.[2][3] As a result weather forecast models anticipated the development of a significant tropical cyclone over the coming days.[3] Initially, the disturbance floundered east of the Solomon Islands and slowly strengthened,[4] reaching tropical depression intensity on March 8. The storm's appearance and areal coverage of showers remained stationary until the following day,[5] when the formation of rainbands wrapping about the centre of the system prompted the FMS to upgrade the storm's classification to a category 1 tropical cyclone on the Australian tropical cyclone scale, assigning it the name Pam.[6] Atmospheric conditions at the time were slightly favorable for continued development as the storm continued to slowly track along the southern periphery of a high-pressure area to its north.[7]

Following the storm's naming, Pam began to curve southwards around midday on March 9. Computer models continued to point towards the possibility of rapid intensification occurring as the cyclone approached Vanuatu.[8] Significant development in Pam's organization took place throughout the remainder of the day into March 10.[9] The cyclone's circulation centre quickly tightened, with the central dense overcast atop it persisting in strength.[10] At 18:00 UTC on March 10, the FMS upgraded the system to category 3 strength, making it a severe tropical cyclone.[11] Shortly after, microwave imagery revealed a primordial eye-feature developing within Pam;[12] this became apparent on visible light images on March 11.[13] That day, Pam became quasi-stationary east of the Santa Cruz Islands before resuming its prior southwesterly motion towards the end of March 11.[14][15] The storm's eye continued to warm as its cloud tops cooled such that at 12:00 UTC, the FMS assessed Pam to have reached Category 5 intensity on the Australian cyclone scale.[16] Six hours later, the JTWC estimated that the storm reached Category 5-equivalent intensity on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale as Pam was east of Penama.[17]

Pam hitting Vanuatu on March 13

Early on March 13, the JTWC determined Pam reached its peak one-minute sustained winds of 270 km/h (165 mph) as it neared Vanuatu.[18] Several hours later, the cyclone began to curve towards the south-southeast, allowing Pam to pass just east of Efate.[19] At that time, the FMS estimated Pam as having record-breaking 250 km/h (155 mph) ten-minute sustained winds.[20] The storm's winds gradually slowed afterwards as Pam tracked west of Tafea. However, the FMS indicated that the cyclone's pressure dropped further to a minimum of 896 mbar (hPa; 26.46 inHg) on March 14,[21] making Pam the second most intense tropical cyclone in the South Pacific basin after Cyclone Zoe in 2002.[22] This intensity was short-lived, however, as Pam's central pressure began rising shortly thereafter as the storm accelerated southeastward.[23] After 12:00 UTC that day, Pam left the area of responsibility of the FMS and entered the monitoring region of New Zealand's Wellington Tropical Cyclone Centre (TCWC Wellington), who estimated that Pam weakened to Category 4 intensity on March 15 after maintaining Category 5 intensity for 36 hours.[24] Shortly after, the storm's eye faded away and Pam's low level circulation became displaced from its associated thunderstorms, signalling a rapid weakening phase.[25] Later on March 15, both agencies discontinued issuing advisories as Pam entered a phase of extratropical transition while affecting northeastern New Zealand. The system moved eastwards, and eventually dissipated over the waters of the South Pacific on March 22.

Effects in Vanuatu

“ After all the development we have done for the last couple of years and this big cyclone came and just destroyed... all the infrastructure the government has... built. Completely destroyed. ”

—Vanuatu President Baldwin Lonsdale[26]

By March 12, the National Disaster Management Office in Vanuatu activated all emergency operation centres in the country. Officials reported difficulty in contacting outlying islands where there was poor infrastructure. In those areas, they advised residents to identify nearby shelters in case evacuation was necessary. Across the country, residents spent the day on March 12 stocking up on supplies for the storm. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies stated volunteers were on standby for assessments in Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu once the storm passed. Supplies of water and water purification systems were pre-positioned for the countries.[27] Acting director of the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office, Peter Korisa, warned that should Pam strike the capital of Port Vila it could be worse than Cyclone Uma in 1987 which killed 50 people and caused US$150 million in damage.[28]

Enlarged track of Cyclone Pam between March 12 and 14 depicting its path in relation to the islands of Vanuatu

The death toll from Cyclone Pam is uncertain, with totals from the Vanuatu Government and United Nations differing. According to Vanuatu, 11 people lost their lives as a direct result of Pam. Four others died at Vila Central Hospital shortly after the storm's passage, though these are considered indirectly related.[29] According to the United Nations, a total of 16 people were killed.[30] In the immediate aftermath, media outlets indicated unconfirmed reports of 44 casualties in the many villages destroyed by the storm;[31][32][33] however, these claims were never substantiated.[30]

According to UNICEF, at least 132,000 people have been impacted by Tropical Cyclone Pam, of whom 54,000 are children.[34] Communication across the country was crippled, with only one cellular tower in Port Vila remaining operational. The power grid was devastated as well and officials estimated repairs could take weeks.[35] Four days after the storm, nearly 60 of the nation's inhabited islands remained cut-off from the outside world.[36] UNICEF has estimated that up to 90 percent of the buildings in Vanuatu have been affected by Tropical Cyclone Pam. Hospitals, schools and water supply are either compromised or destroyed.[34] Journalist Michael McLennan in Port Vila likened the effects of Pam to a bomb: "It's like a bomb has gone through...It's really quite apocalyptic." Sune Gudnitz, head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), stated that Pam was indeed a worst-case scenario for Vanuatu.[37]

Deaths by island in Vanuatu
Island Fatalities Ref.
Efate 7 [29]
Lelepa 1 [29]
Mataso 2 [38]
Tanna 5 [29]
Unknown 0–1 [29][30]
Total 15–16 [29][30]
Fatalities include indirect deaths

Catastrophic damage occurred on the islands of Erromango and Tanna. Communication with the islands was completely severed during the storm, and first contact with residents did not take place until two days after Pam's passage. A pilot who flew to the islands reported that all infrastructure had been crippled, with every structure severely damaged or destroyed. Concrete buildings held up during the storm, but lost their roofs. Locals reported two fatalities on Tanna, though this was unconfirmed by officials. Additionally, there was no drinkable water left on the island.[39] Approximately 95 percent of the homes on Tongoa were reportedly destroyed.[36]

North of Efate, the small island of Mataso was largely destroyed with only two homes left standing after the storm. Residents sought refuge in caves to ride out the storm; two people lost their lives there.[38]

Other South Pacific nations

In addition to Vanuatu, Cyclone Pam had direct impacts on New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. The cyclone also indirectly affected the island nations of Fiji, Tuvalu and Kiribati.[40][41]

Tuvalu

Prior to the formation of Cyclone Pam, flooding from king tides, which peaked at 3.4 m (11 ft) on 19 February 2015, caused considerable road damage across the multi-island nation of Tuvalu.[42][43] Between March 10 and 11, waves, estimated to be 3–5 m (9.8–16.4 ft), associated with the cyclone swept across the low-lying islands of Tuvalu. The atolls of Nanumea, Nanumanga, Niutao, Nui, Nukufetau, Nukulaelae, and Vaitupu were most affected.[44][45] Significant damage to agriculture and infrastructure occurred.[46] The outermost islands were hardest hit, with one flooded in its entirety.[47] A state of emergency was subsequently declared on March 14.[46] Water supplies on Nui were contaminated by seawater and rendered undrinkable.[44] An estimated 45 percent of the nation's nearly 10,000 people were displaced, according to Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga.[48]

Solomon Islands

Early in the Cyclone Pam's development, it produced torrential rains and gale-force winds over the Solomon Provinces of Malaita, Makira-Ulawa, and Temotu.[28] Trees and crops were flattened, and residents sheltered in schools and in caves after their homes were destroyed.[49] Rainfall was particularly intense over the Santa Cruz Islands, where a 24 hour total of 495 mm (19.5 in) was observed.[50] Continuous heavy rain prompted the evacuation of 500 students in West Guadalcanal.[51]

The storm later struck the remote islands of Anuta and Tikopia on March 12, causing extensive damage.[52] Approximately 1,500 homes were damaged or destroyed in the region and 5,000 people were directly.[53] Powerful winds toppled numerous trees. Several injuries were reported, though exact numbers are unknown. Tikopia's lost roughly 90 percent of its food crop and fruit trees; water sources were also contaminated. Contact with Anuta was lost as all its phone lines failed;[52] the island remained isolated for at least a week after Pam's passage.[54]

Fiji

Although not in the direct path of Pam, officials in Fiji warned residents in low-lying areas of potential flooding from the system's outer rain bands.[55] On March 11, the Northern Division activated its Emergency Operations Centre and directed precautionary measures to be undertaken, with the expectation that flash flooding and coastal flooding from high tides were set to occur.[56] Emergency shelters for possible evacuations were identified by March 12.[57] Fears concerning the Fijian infrastructure's susceptibility to winds and flooding were raised by the Disaster Management Office.[58] Later that day, cruise operators announced that trips to the Yasawa Islands would be canceled due to the storm.[59] Anticipating dangerous conditions from the cyclone, the fifth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race was postponed until at least 01:00 UTC on March 16.[60] Other residents were warned not to venture out to sea as Pam passed nearby.[61]

New Caledonia

Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam transitioning into an extratropical cyclone to the northeast of New Zealand on March 15

A pre-cyclone alert was raised in New Caledonia as a precaution.[28] On March 13, 2015 at noon local time, this was raised to the first level of cyclone alert for the Loyalty Islands and for the Isle of Pines.[62] The second and highest level of cyclone alert was raised at 03:00 local time on March 14, 2015 for the islands of Maré and Lifou,[63] and the alert ended at 17:00 and 20:00 local time on the same day. All alert levels were then lifted on Sunday, March 15 at 08:00 local time.

On the whole, material damages were relatively light, with a few fallen trees, a few roofs blown out, and only 26 people in need of emergency housing (18 on Maré and 8 on Lifou). At the height of the storm, a maximum of 6000 inhabitants suffered power outages, but power was then restored fairly quickly to the vast majority. As perceived by the population of the Loyalty Islands, the worst damage was in fact the loss of the yams harvest, which will affect numerous communities of both Maré and Lifou, both as a means of subsistence for the coming season and as a cultural apparatus for ceremonies like weddings.[64]

New Zealand

Civil Defense officials in New Zealand have issued severe weather warnings, that the remnants of Cyclone Pam could bring unprecedented damage to much of the northeastern coastal areas of the North Island. Swells of 6–8 m (20–26 ft) were forecast with potential for damage exceeding that of Cyclone Bola - which struck New Zealand's North Island in 1988.[65]

On March 15 gale-force winds began affecting northern parts of the North Island and continued into the following day,[66] with gusts peaking at 148 km/h (92 mph) in Kaeo and 144 km/h (89 mph) in Hicks Bay.[67] Some voluntary evacuations took place in the Gisborne region.[66] Power outages took place in the Whangarei District.[68] Heavy rains accompanied the system as well, with over 200 mm (7.9 in) falling in areas between Hicks Bay and Gisborne.[69] Along the coast, waves reached 4.5 m (15 ft) in Tutukaka and 5–6 m (16–20 ft) near Tolaga Bay.[68][70] The cyclone also brought cooler temperatures throughout most of the North Island and northern South Island.[69]

The storm later brought winds up to 140 km/h (87 mph) to the Chatham Islands (pop: 650), prompting the declaration of a civil defense emergency. Downed trees cut power to portions of the islands, though no major damage was reported. Twelve people sought refuge in a public shelter.[71] A wharf on the north side of the islands was damaged by rough seas.[72]

Aftermath

Yachts wrecked by the storm in a harbour near Port Vila, Vanuatu

An RAAF Lockheed P-3 Orion was dispatched to the eastern Solomon Islands for aerial damage surveys.[73]

Vanuatu

Before the disaster, many developed countries pledged funds to assist smaller, developing nations with disaster preparation and relief efforts.[74] Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank has called for insurance schemes to help the Vanuatu government respond to natural disasters.[75] United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlighted that climate change leads to increased risks of natural disasters.[76]

While attending the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, Vanuatu President Baldwin Lonsdale requested international assistance for his people.[77] Immediately following the cyclone's impact in Vanuatu, governments across the world began providing aid relief funds. Sufficient repairs of Bauerfield International Airport were completed by March 14 to allow the first flights from Australia carrying aid to arrive. Initial monetary assistance included $3.8 million from Australia, $2.9 million from the United Kingdom, $1.8 million from New Zealand, and $1.05 million from the European Union, $250,000 from India and promised to extend any further assistance required.[78] The French overseas territories of New Caledonia and French Polynesia have granted €300,000 (US$318,000) of immediate emergency aid.[79][80]

Port Vila seafront on March 14

Australia, France, and New Zealand enacted a coordinated response within the framework of the FRANZ agreement, in which France would carry out damage assessments while Australia and New Zealand would provide humanitarian aid. In accordance with this, France ordered the frigate Vendémiaire to sail from Nouméa, New Caledonia, to conduct surveys along with aircraft from the island territory.[78] On March 15, Australia confirmed that supplies for up to 5,000 people would be sent via two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. A Lockheed C-130 Hercules was also deployed with emergency evaluation personnel and Department of Foreign Affairs officials to determine specifics on aid required.[73] On March 15 a CASA-235 transport plane was dispatched from the New Caledonian Armed Forces airbase carrying engineers to repair the water supply, a Red Cross technician and spare parts to enable the reopening of the airport to scheduled flights.[81] A second CASA-235 was dispatched from French Polynesia carrying tools for rebuilding, satelitte communications, tents and logistics supplies for 10 days.[82]

More than four days after the storm, much of the affected population had yet to be reached. A lack of airstrips and deepwater ports hampered the speed of relief operations.[36] Save the Children's Vanuatu director, Tom Skirrow, stated that the logistical challenges presented with Cyclone Pam greatly exceeded that of Typhoon Haiyan which left over 7,350 dead or missing in the Philippines during November 2013.[26] Residents on Moso Island, located just north of Efate, were forced to drink saltwater. Survivors stated that no aid had reached them as of March 17, and most were forced to scavenge for food.[36] It was not until March 27, two weeks after Pam struck, that aid finally reached all of the affected islands.[83]

On March 24, IsraAid reached Tongoa in the Shepherds Islands group by boat,[84] and distributed over 40 tons of rice, flour and water to twelve villages and eight schools on two islands leveled by the cyclone.[85]

Tuvalu

New Zealand started providing aid to Tuvalu on March 14.[78][86] Owing to the severity of damage in the nation, the local chapter of the Red Cross enacted an emergency operation plan on March 16 which would focus on the needs of 3,000 people. The focus on the 81,873 CHF operation was to provide essential non-food items and shelter.[44] Flights carrying these supplies from Fiji began on March 17.[45] Prime Minister Sopoaga stated that Tuvalu appeared capable of handling the disaster on its own and urged that international relief be focused on Vanuatu.[45][47] Tuvalu's Disaster Coordinator, Suneo Silu, said the priority island is Nui as sources of fresh water were contaminated.[45] On March 17, the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a donation of US$61,000 in aid to Tuvalu.[87] UNICEF and Australia have committed to deliver aid to Tuvalu.[88][89]

As of 22 March, 71 families (40 percent of the population) of Nui remain displaced and were living in 3 evacuation centres or with other families and on Nukufetau, 76 people (13 percent of the population) remain displaced and were living in 2 evacuation centres.[90]

The Situation Report published on 30 March reported that on Nukufetau all the displaced people have returned to their homes.[91] Nui suffered the most damage of the three central islands (Nui, Nukufetau and Vaitupu); with both Nui and Nukufetau suffering the loss of 90% of the crops.[91] Of the three northern islands (Nanumanga, Niutao, Nanumea), Nanumanga suffered the most damage, with 60-100 houses flooded and damage to the health facility. The number of influenza cases that had been reported in Nanumanga had stabilized.[91]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Joshua Robertson (March 15, 2015). "Cyclone Pam: Vanuatu awaits first wave of relief and news from worst-hit islands". The Guardian. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (March 6, 2015). "Tropical Disturbance Summary March 6, 2015 09z". Fiji Meteorological Service. Archived from the original on March 7, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Joint Typhoon Warning Center (March 6, 2015). "Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and Southern Pacific Oceans 062100". United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. Archived from the original on March 6, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  4. ↑ RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (March 7, 2015). "Tropical Disturbance Summary For area Equator to 25S, 160E to 120W". Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Meteorological Service. Archived from the original on March 7, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  5. ↑ RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (March 8, 2015). "Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A7". Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Meteorological Service. Archived from the original on March 9, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  6. ↑ RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (March 9, 2015). "Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A9". Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Meteorological Service. Archived from the original on March 9, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  7. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (March 9, 2015). "Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 001". Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. Archived from the original on March 9, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  8. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (March 9, 2015). "Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 002". Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. Archived from the original on March 10, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  9. ↑ RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (March 10, 2015). "Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A13". Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Meteorological Service. Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  10. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (March 10, 2015). "Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 003". Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. Archived from the original on March 10, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  11. ↑ RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (March 10, 2015). "Hurricane Warning 020". Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Meteorological Service. Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  12. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (March 10, 2015). "Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 005". Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  13. ↑ RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (March 11, 2015). "Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A16". Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Meteorological Service. Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  14. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (March 11, 2015). "Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 007". Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  15. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (March 11, 2015). "Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 009". Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  16. ↑ RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (March 12, 2015). "Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A22". Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Meteorological Service. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  17. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (March 12, 2015). "Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 013". Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  18. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (March 13, 2015). "Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 015". Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  19. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (March 13, 2015). "Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 016". Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  20. ↑ RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (March 13, 2015). "Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A25". Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Meteorological Service. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  21. ↑ RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (March 14, 2015). "Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A27". Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Meteorological Service. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  22. ↑ RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (December 28, 2002). "Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A11". Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Meteorological Service. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  23. ↑ RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (March 14, 2015). "Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A28". Nadi, Fiji: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  24. ↑ Wellington Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (March 14, 2015). "Hurricane Warning 243". Wellington, New Zealand: Meteorological Service of New Zealand Limited. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  25. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (March 15, 2015). "Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 021". Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Claudine Wery (March 17, 2015). "Vanuatu president begs world to help rebuild, blames climate change, after Cyclone Pam". The Canberra Times. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  27. ↑ "Cyclone Pam: Vanuatu activates emergency plans as category five system predicted". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. March 12, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 "Vanuatu prepares for worst as Cyclone Pam approaches". Radio New Zealand. March 12, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 29.5 "Vanuatu govt still say Cyclone Pam death toll at 11". Radio New Zealand International. March 22, 2015. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 "Tropical Cyclone Pam: Vanuatu death toll rises to 16 as relief effort continues". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  31. ↑ "Cyclone 'devastates' South Pacific islands of Vanuatu". BBC News. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
  32. ↑ Johnston, Chris (14 March 2015). "Dozens feared dead in Vanuatu after cyclone Pam leaves trail of destruction". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
  33. ↑ "Cyclone Pam: Dozens feared dead in Vanuatu in 'one of worst storms in Pacific history'". The Telegraph. 14 March 2015. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Vanuatu - Cyclone Pam Emergency Appeal - UNICEF NZ". Unicef NZ. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  35. ↑ "Emergency - Cyclone Pam, Vanuatu". World Food Programme. ReliefWeb. March 14, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 "Cyclone Pam: Vanuatu islanders forced to drink saltwater". British Broadcasting Company. March 17, 2015. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  37. ↑ Steve Almasy and Jethro Mullen (March 15, 2015). "Aid workers scramble to help Cyclone Pam victims in Vanuatu". CNN. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 "63 Mataso locals evacuated to Efate". Vanuatu Daily Post. ReliefWeb. The Pacific Islands News Association. March 31, 2015. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  39. ↑ Joshua Robertson (March 15, 2015). "Cyclone Pam: more deaths and water shortages to follow storm". The Guardian. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  40. ↑ "Wild weather in Tuvalu". Tuvalu Solar Project Team Blog. 11 March 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
  41. ↑ "Flooding in Vanuatu, Kiribati and Tuvalu as Cyclone Pam strengthens". SBS Australia. 13 March 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
  42. ↑ "Peak tide affects Tuvaluan communities living in coastal and low-lying areas". Island Business (FENUI NEWS/PACNEWS). 24 February 2015. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  43. ↑ "Tuvalu surveys road damage after king tides". Radio New Zealand. February 24, 2015. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 Emergency Plan of Action (EPoA) Tuvalu: Tropical Cyclone Pam (PDF). International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Report) (ReliefWeb). March 16, 2015. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3 "One Tuvalu island evacuated after flooding from Pam". Radio New Zealand International. 18 March 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 "State of emergency in Tuvalu". Radio New Zealand International. March 14, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 "Emergency supplies being mobilised for Tuvalu". The Fiji Times. Radio New Zealand. March 16, 2015. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  48. ↑ "45 percent of Tuvalu population displaced - PM". Radio New Zealand International. March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  49. ↑ "Cyclone damage in Solomon Islands". ReliefWeb. Radio New Zealand International. March 13, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  50. ↑ Richard Angwin (March 11, 2015). "Tropical Cyclone Pam batters South Pacific islands". Al Jazeera. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  51. ↑ "Storm forces mass evacuation of Solomons school". Radio New Zealand. March 12, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 "Cyclone damage in Solomon Islands". Radio New Zealand International. March 13, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
  53. ↑ "World Vision to provide relief to Temotu". Solomon Star. March 25, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
  54. ↑ "Aid to Solomons Tikopia and Anuta". Radio New Zealand International. March 20, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
  55. ↑ Felix Chaudhary (March 11, 2015). "Cawaki warns of flooding". Fiji Times. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  56. ↑ Government of Fiji (March 11, 2015). "Northern Division activates Emergency Operations Centre". ReliefWeb. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  57. ↑ Serafina Silaitoga (March 12, 2015). "On full alert". Fiji Times. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  58. ↑ Australian Broadcasting Corporation (March 10, 2015). "Cyclone Pam moves through Pacific Ocean with potential of turning into category five system". ReliefWeb.
  59. ↑ Felix Chaudhary (March 12, 2015). "Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam: Cruise operators cancel Yasawa trips". Fiji Times. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  60. ↑ "Volvo Ocean Race postpones start due to Tropical Cyclone Pam". Scuttlebutt Sailing News. March 11, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  61. ↑ Australian Broadcasting Corporation (March 11, 2015). "Cyclone Pam: Pacific nations on alert as storm intensifies to category three system". ReliefWeb.
  62. ↑ "Communiqué de presse_DSCGR_du 13 mars 2015_alerte cyclonique n°1 (PAM) | Direction de la Sécurité Civile et de la Gestion des Risques" (in French). Securite-civile.nc. Retrieved 2015-03-14.
  63. ↑ "Communiqué de presse_DSCGR_du 13 mars 2015_alerte cyclonique n°2 (PAM) | Direction de la Sécurité Civile et de la Gestion des Risques" (in French). Securite-civile.nc. Retrieved 2015-03-14.
  64. ↑ "Légers Dégâts sur le Caillou" (in French). Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes. Retrieved 2015-03-17.
  65. ↑ "NZ braces for Cyclone Pam". Radio New Zealand. March 12, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  66. ↑ 66.0 66.1 "Cyclone Pam reaches New Zealand". 3News. March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  67. ↑ Noble, Chris. "TC Pam Summary". MetService. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 Collette Devlin and Ian Steward (March 15, 2015). "Cyclone Pam weakening as it nears New Zealand video". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  69. ↑ 69.0 69.1 Singh, Bill. "Cyclone Pam – Latest update 7:35pm Monday 16th March". MetService. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  70. ↑ McCracken, Heather; Papatsoumas, Nikki; Feek, Belinda; Gisborne Herald staff (16 March 2015). "Cyclone Pam: 'Never seen anything like it'". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  71. ↑ Cate Broughton (March 17, 2015). "Pam causes power outage in Chatham Islands". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  72. ↑ John Weekes and Sophie Ryan (March 17, 2015). "Cyclone Pam: Conditions expected to worsen in Chathams". Gisborne Herald. The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  73. ↑ 73.0 73.1 David Wroe and Lisa Visentin (March 15, 2015). "Cyclone Pam: Australia gives Vanuatu $5 million in aid". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  74. ↑ Jessica Mendoza (14 Mar 2015). "Cyclone Pam: Why Japan is a leader in disaster relief". Christian Science Monitor.
  75. ↑ "Vanuatu appeals for help after Cyclone Pam strikes". Financial TImes. 15 Mar 2015.
  76. ↑ "Ban highlights climate risks as Vanuatu counts dead from Cyclone Pam". Deutsche Welle. 14 March 2015.
  77. ↑ Elizabeth Chuck (March 15, 2015). "'Disaster' in Vanuatu After Cyclone Pam Tears Through Pacific Archipelago". NBC News. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  78. ↑ 78.0 78.1 78.2 Joshua Kuku (March 14, 2015). "Aid effort stepped up after monster Vanuatu cyclone". Suva, Fiji: ReliefWeb. Agence France-Presse. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  79. ↑ (French)https://www.province-sud.nc/content/la-province-sud-soutient-le-vanuatu-apr%C3%A8s-le-cyclone-pam
  80. ↑ (French)http://polynesie.la1ere.fr/2015/03/16/la-polynesie-debloque-10-millions-de-francs-pour-aider-les-sinistres-du-vanuatu-238881.html
  81. ↑ "L'assistance au Vanuatu, c'est parti - Radio Cocotier". Radio Cocotier.
  82. ↑ "Deux Casa et un Guardian engagés pour venir en aide à Vanuatu". DFNS.net en Français.
  83. ↑ "Cyclone Pam: UN agency reports all 22 Vanuatu islands reached with relief supplies". United Nations News Centre. March 27, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
  84. ↑ http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/ForeignPolicy/Aid/Pages/IsraAID-brings-aid-to-Vanuatu-after-Cyclone-Pam-22-Mar-2015.aspx
  85. ↑ http://www.timesofisrael.com/after-cyclone-israeli-mission-provides-relief-in-vanuatu/
  86. ↑ "International assistance due today in Tuvalu". Radio New Zealand International. March 17, 2015. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  87. ↑ "Taiwan donates US$61,000 to cyclone-hit Tuvalu". Central News Agency. Taipei, Taiwan: Focus Taiwan. March 17, 2015. Archived from the original on March 17, 2015. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  88. ↑ "UNICEF rushes emergency supplies for cyclone-affected Tuvalu". UN News Centre. March 19, 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  89. ↑ "Aust sends cyclone aid to Tuvalu". Australian Associated Press. March 19, 2015. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  90. ↑ "Tuvalu: Tropical Cyclone Pam Situation Report No. 1 (as of 22 March 2015)". Relief Web. 22 March 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  91. ↑ 91.0 91.1 91.2 "Tuvalu: Tropical Cyclone Pam Situation Report No. 2 (as of 30 March 2015)". Relief Web. 30 March 2015. Retrieved 30 March 2015.

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