WELLINGTON/SYDNEY ¨C The first reports from the outer islands of Vanuatu on Monday painted a picture of utter destruction after a monster cyclone tore through the Pacific island nation.
Authorities in the South Pacific nation were struggling to establish contact with the islands that bore the brunt of Cyclone Pam¡¯s winds of more than 300 kph (185 mph), which flattened buildings, smashed boats and washed away roads and bridges as it struck late Friday and into Saturday.
The government¡¯s official toll is eight dead and 20 injured but that looks certain to rise, given the extent of the damage.
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