How did Cyclone Pam affect Vanuatu in 2015?

In March 2015, Vanuatu was devastated by Cyclone Pam, a powerful category 5 tropical cyclone that ranks among the most intense storms ever recorded.1

The storm caused widespread destruction across the archipelago, impacting Éfaté and the capital, Port-Vila. The effects included:12

• Infrastructure and Housing: Between 50 and 90 percent of all structures—including homes, schools, churches, and businesses—suffered damage. Many buildings were flattened, leaving thousands of people homeless.12
• Humanitarian Crisis: Approximately 166,000 people across 22 islands required immediate food aid. Much of the nation's livestock and poultry were killed, and essential water sources were contaminated.1
• Agriculture: The storm denuded forestlands and destroyed most household vegetable gardens, which are critical to the local food supply.1
• Casualties: While the storm caused extensive physical devastation, the loss of life was relatively limited; reports indicated between 11 and 16 deaths directly attributed to the cyclone.1