:Cyclone Pam

{{About|the 2015 South Pacific tropical cyclone|the 1997 storm of the same name|Cyclone Pam (1997)|the mock hurricane exercise in New Orleans|Hurricane Pam}}

{{Infobox weather event

| name = Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam

| image = Pam 2015-03-13 0220Z.jpg

| caption = Pam nearing peak intensity over Vanuatu, on 13 March

| formed = {{start date|2015|3|6|df=yes}}

| extratropical = 15 March 2015

| dissipated = {{end date|2015|03|20|df=yes}}

}}{{Infobox weather event/FMS

| agency = FMS

| winds = 135

| pressure = 896

| pressure-suffix =
(Third-lowest in South Pacific basin, Fourth-lowest in Southern Hemisphere)

}}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC

| winds = 150

| pressure = 911

}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects

| year = 2015

| fatalities = 15–16 total

| damages = 543000000

| areas = Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New Zealand

}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer

| season = 2014–15 South Pacific cyclone season

}}

Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam was the second most intense tropical cyclone of the South Pacific Ocean in terms of sustained winds and is regarded as one of the worst natural disasters in the history of Vanuatu.{{cite web|author=Joshua Robertson|work=The Guardian |date=15 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|title=Cyclone Pam: Vanuatu awaits first wave of relief and news from worst-hit islands|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/15/cyclone-pam-death-toll-may-reach-50-in-port-vila-alone-as-full-impact-still-unknown}} A total of 15–16 people died 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, on other islands in the South Pacific, most notably the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and New Zealand. Pam is the third most intense storm of the South Pacific Ocean according to pressure, after Winston of 2016 and Zoe of 2002. It is also the second most intense tropical cyclone in 2015, only behind Hurricane Patricia. In addition, Pam is tied with Orson, Monica, Marcus and Fantala for having the second strongest ten-minute maximum sustained winds in the Southern Hemisphere. Thousands of homes, schools and buildings were damaged or destroyed, with an estimated 3,300 people displaced as a result.

Pam formed on 6 March, 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 12 March. The next day, Pam's sustained winds peaked at {{convert|250|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} as the storm moved through Vanuatu, passing near several constituent islands and making direct hits on others. On 14 March, Pam's winds began to slowly weaken, but its pressure dropped further to a minimum of 896 mbar (hPa; {{convert|896|mbar|inHg|lk=on|abbr=on|sigfig=4|disp=out}}) before rising shortly afterwards. Over the next few days, the cyclone's weakening accelerated as it moved poleward. On 15 March, Pam passed northeast of New Zealand before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone that same day.

Early in Pam's history, a damaging storm surge impacted Tuvalu, prompting 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 centres 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, the 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 paralysed, 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

During the opening days of March 2015, a major westerly wind burst occurred, which subsequently contributed to the development of the 2014–16 El Niño event and the development of two tropical cyclones near Kiribati on either side of the equator.{{cite journal |title=Current Conditions |date=29 May 2015 |publisher=United States Pacific El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Applications Climate Center |journal=Pacific ENSO Update |volume=21 |issue=2 |url=http://www.weather.gov/media/peac/PEU/PEU_v21_n2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070616/http://www.weather.gov/media/peac/PEU/PEU_v21_n2.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=27 March 2019 }} The first tropical cyclone became Tropical Storm Bavi and impacted the Marshall Islands, the Mariana Islands and Philippines. The second system was first noted as Tropical Disturbance 11F by the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) on 6 March, while it was located about {{convert|750|km|mi|round=5}} to the north-east of Honiara in the Solomon Islands.{{cite web|author=RSMC Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre |title=Tropical Disturbance Summary March 6, 2015 09z |url=http://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/20036.txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |access-date=13 March 2015 |date=6 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522052711/https://www.webcitation.org/6WqYaQxPI?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WWPS21-NFFN_201503060900.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} 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.{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and Southern Pacific Oceans 062100 |date=6 March 2015 |url=http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/ab/abpwweb.txt |access-date=13 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522052751/https://www.webcitation.org/6WqYO3BuO?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABPW10-PGTW_201503062130.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |publisher=United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} As a result, weather forecast models anticipated the development of a significant tropical cyclone over the coming days. Initially, the disturbance floundered east of the Solomon Islands and slowly strengthened,{{cite web|author1=RSMC Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre |title=Tropical Disturbance Summary For area Equator to 25S, 160E to 120W |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ww/wwps21.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |access-date=13 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522052631/https://www.webcitation.org/6WqYaEYX7?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WWPS21-NFFN_201503062100.htm |date=7 March 2015 |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Nadi, Fiji |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} reaching tropical depression intensity on 8 March. The storm's appearance and areal coverage of showers remained stationary until the following day,{{cite web|author1=RSMC Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre |title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A7 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |access-date=13 March 2015 |date=8 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522052909/https://www.webcitation.org/6WtjewPM3?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201503081800.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Nadi, Fiji |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} when the formation of rainbands wrapping around 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.{{cite web|author1=RSMC Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre |title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A9 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |access-date=13 March 2015 |date=9 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522052909/https://www.webcitation.org/6WtjewPM3?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201503081800.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Nadi, Fiji |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} Atmospheric conditions at the time were slightly favourable for continued development as the storm continued to slowly track along the southern periphery of a high-pressure area to its north.{{cite web|author1=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 001 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command |access-date=13 March 2015 |date=9 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522052832/https://www.webcitation.org/6Wtjdm4J2?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201503090600.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}

File:Pam 2015-03-11 0230Z.jpg

Following the storm's name, Pam began to curve southwards around midday on 9 March. Computer models continued to point towards the possibility of rapid intensification occurring as the cyclone approached Vanuatu.{{cite web|author1=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 002 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command |access-date=13 March 2015 |date=9 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522053032/https://www.webcitation.org/6Wv3W7vOS?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201503091500.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} Significant development in Pam's organisation took place throughout the remainder of the day into 10 March.{{cite web|author1=RSMC Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre |title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A13 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201503100600.htm |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |access-date=13 March 2015 |date=10 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522053149/https://www.webcitation.org/6WxRkvo3R?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201503100600.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Nadi, Fiji |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} The cyclone's circulation centre quickly tightened, with the central dense overcast atop it persisting in strength.{{cite web|author1=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 003 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command |access-date=13 March 2015 |date=10 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522052949/https://www.webcitation.org/6Wv3Vv6NZ?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201503100300.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} At 18:00 UTC on 10 March, the FMS upgraded the system to category 3 strength, making it a severe tropical cyclone.{{cite web|author1=RSMC Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre |title=Hurricane Warning 020 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |access-date=13 March 2015 |date=10 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522053108/https://www.webcitation.org/6WxRelwNe?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WHPS01-NFFN_201503101800.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Nadi, Fiji |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} Shortly after, microwave imagery revealed a primordial eye-feature developing within Pam.{{cite web|author1=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 005 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command |access-date=13 March 2015 |date=10 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522053311/https://www.webcitation.org/6WxRw9dPe?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201503102100.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} This became apparent on visible light images on 11 March.{{cite web|author1=RSMC Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre |title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A16 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |access-date=13 March 2015 |date=11 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522052909/https://www.webcitation.org/6WtjewPM3?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201503081800.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Nadi, Fiji |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} That day, Pam became quasi-stationary east of the Santa Cruz Islands before resuming its prior southwesterly motion towards the end of 11 March.{{cite web|author1=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 007 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command |access-date=13 March 2015 |date=11 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522053231/https://www.webcitation.org/6WxRvfcou?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201503110900.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}{{cite web|author1=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 009 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command |access-date=13 March 2015 |date=11 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522053349/https://www.webcitation.org/6Wy9yLDzJ?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201503112100.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} 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.{{cite web|author1=RSMC Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre |title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A22 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |access-date=15 March 2015 |date=12 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522052909/https://www.webcitation.org/6WtjewPM3?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201503081800.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Nadi, Fiji |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} 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.{{cite web|author1=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 013 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command |access-date=15 March 2015 |date=12 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522053429/https://www.webcitation.org/6X2myB47H?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201503121200.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}

Early on 13 March, the JTWC determined Pam reached its peak one-minute sustained winds of {{convert|270|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} as it neared Vanuatu;{{cite web|author1=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 015 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command |access-date=15 March 2015 |date=13 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522053832/https://www.webcitation.org/6X2nWCyYi?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201503130900.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} this was increased to {{convert|280|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} in post-season reanalysis. Several hours later, the cyclone began to curve towards the south-southeast, allowing Pam to pass just east of Efate.{{cite web|author1=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 016 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command |access-date=15 March 2015 |date=13 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522053917/https://www.webcitation.org/6X2nXEnYB?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201503131500.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} At that time, the FMS estimated Pam as having record-breaking {{convert|250|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} ten-minute sustained winds.{{cite web|author1=RSMC Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre |title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A25 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |access-date=15 March 2015 |date=13 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522053552/https://www.webcitation.org/6X2nD8GgB?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201503131200.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Nadi, Fiji |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} 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; {{convert|896|mbar|inHg|lk=on|abbr=on|sigfig=4|disp=out}}) on 14 March,{{cite web|author1=RSMC Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre |title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A27 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |access-date=15 March 2015 |date=14 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522053633/https://www.webcitation.org/6X2nFjv8T?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201503140000.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Nadi, Fiji |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} making Pam the second most intense tropical cyclone in the South Pacific basin after Cyclone Zoe in 2002.{{cite web|author1=RSMC Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A11|url=http://www.rambocam.com/archive/zoew07.html|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|access-date=15 March 2015|date=28 December 2002|location=Nadi, Fiji}} This intensity was short-lived, however, as Pam's central pressure began rising shortly thereafter as the storm accelerated southeastward.{{cite web|author1=RSMC Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre |title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A28 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=15 March 2015 |date=14 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522053710/https://www.webcitation.org/6X2nLwI5v?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201503140600.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Nadi, Fiji |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} After 12:00 UTC that day, Pam left the area of responsibility of the FMS and entered the monitoring region of New Zealand's MetService, who estimated that Pam weakened to Category 4 intensity on 15 March after maintaining Category 5 intensity for 36 hours.{{cite web|author1=Wellington Tropical Cyclone Warning Center |title=Hurricane Warning 243 |url=http://weather.gmdss.org/bulletins/METAREA14.HURRICANE_WARNING_SOUTH_25S.0021.1500271443995.html |publisher=Meteorological Service of New Zealand Limited |access-date=15 March 2015 |date=14 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522053753/https://www.webcitation.org/6X2nuEwL9?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WHNZ41-NZKL_201503150021.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Wellington, New Zealand |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} 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.{{cite web|author1=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 17P (Pam) Warning NR 021 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command |access-date=15 March 2015 |date=15 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522053509/https://www.webcitation.org/6X2nd5j3Z?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201503150300.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} Later on 15 March, 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 20 March.

Effects

Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam was responsible for 24 deaths as it impacted various parts of the Pacific Ocean, before the name was retired from the South Pacific lists of tropical cyclone names. The system also influenced the Pacific trade winds and with Tropical Storm Bavi, caused one of the strongest trade wind reversals that had been observed on record.{{cite report|title=ENSO Wrap-Up: Tropical cyclone activity may lead to further ocean warming |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/enso/archive/ensowrap_20150317.pdf |page=1 |access-date=18 March 2016 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |archive-date=1 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401113312/http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=579251 |url-status=dead }}

=Kiribati=

Bavi and Pam caused severe weather including swells, heavy rain and strong winds to be reported within Kiribati between 8–11 March.

=Vanuatu=

{{Rquote|left|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|{{cite web|author=Claudine Wery|work=The Canberra Times|date=17 March 2015|access-date=17 March 2015|title=Vanuatu president begs world to help rebuild, blames climate change, after Cyclone Pam|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/environment/climate-change/vanuatu-president-begs-world-to-help-rebuild-blames-climate-change-after-cyclone-pam-20150317-1m0oeo.html}}}}

File:Pam hitting Vanuatu.gif

By 12 March, 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 12 March 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.{{cite web|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=12 March 2015|access-date=12 March 2015|title=Cyclone Pam: Vanuatu activates emergency plans as category five system predicted|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-12/cyclone-pam-upgraded-to-category-4/6305976}} 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.

The death toll from Cyclone Pam is uncertain, with totals from the Vanuatu Government and United Nations differing. According to Vanuatu, 11 people died 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. According to the United Nations, a total of 16 people were killed. In the immediate aftermath, media outlets indicated unconfirmed reports of 44 casualties in the many villages destroyed by the storm;{{cite news|title=Cyclone 'devastates' South Pacific islands of Vanuatu|url=http://bbc.com/news/world-asia-31883712|publisher=BBC News |access-date=14 March 2015}}{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/14/deaths-feared-as-cyclone-pam-crosses-vanuatu-and-heads-for-new-zealand | title=Dozens feared dead in Vanuatu after cyclone Pam leaves trail of destruction | work=The Guardian | date=14 March 2015 | access-date=14 March 2015 | author=Johnston, Chris}}{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/vanuatu/11472065/Cyclone-Pam-Dozens-feared-dead-in-Vanuatu-in-one-of-worst-storms-in-Pacific-history.html | title=Cyclone Pam: Dozens feared dead in Vanuatu in 'one of worst storms in Pacific history' | work=The Telegraph | date=14 March 2015 | access-date=14 March 2015}} however, these claims were never substantiated.

File:Cyclone Pam Track near Vanuatu.png

According to UNICEF, at least 132,000 people have been impacted by Tropical Cyclone Pam, of whom 54,000 are children.{{cite web|url=https://www.unicef.org.nz/vanuatu|title=Vanuatu – Cyclone Pam Emergency Appeal|work=Unicef NZ|access-date=16 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403093543/https://www.unicef.org.nz/vanuatu|archive-date=3 April 2015|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|work=World Food Programme|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=14 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|title=Emergency – Cyclone Pam, Vanuatu|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/emergency-cyclone-pam-vanuatu}} Four days after the storm, nearly 60 of the nation's inhabited islands remained cut-off from the outside world.{{cite web|publisher=British Broadcasting Company|date=17 March 2015|access-date=17 March 2015|title=Cyclone Pam: Vanuatu islanders forced to drink saltwater|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31917913}} 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. 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.{{cite web|author=Steve Almasy and Jethro Mullen|publisher=CNN |date=15 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|title=Aid workers scramble to help Cyclone Pam victims in Vanuatu |url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/15/asia/cyclone-pam-vanuatu/}}

class="wikitable sortable" style="float: right; margin:0 1em 0.5em 1em;" \|+ Deaths by island in Vanuatu
scope="col" align="center"\|Island ! scope="col" align="center"\|Fatalities ! scope="col" align="center"\|Ref.
Efate \|align="center"\|7 \|{{cite web\|publisher=Radio New Zealand International\|date=22 March 2015\|access-date=31 March 2015\|title=Vanuatu govt still say Cyclone Pam death toll at 11\|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/269306/vanuatu-govt-still-say-cyclone-pam-death-toll-at-11}}
Lelepa \|align="center"\|1 \|
Mataso \|align="center"\|2 \|{{cite web\|agency=The Pacific Islands News Association\|work=Vanuatu Daily Post\|publisher=ReliefWeb\|date=31 March 2015\|access-date=31 March 2015\|title=63 Mataso locals evacuated to Efate\|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/63-mataso-locals-evacuated-efate}}
Tanna \|align="center"\|5 \|
Unknown \|align="center"\|0–1 \|{{cite news\|title=Tropical Cyclone Pam: Vanuatu death toll rises to 16 as relief effort continues\|newspaper=ABC News \|date=21 March 2015 \|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-21/un-raises-vanuatu-cyclone-death-toll/6337816\|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation\|access-date=22 March 2015}}
class="sortbottom" \| align="center"\| Total \| align="center"\| 15–16 \|
class="sortbottom" \| colspan = 3 \| Fatalities include indirect deaths also

class="wikitable sortable" style="float: right; margin:0 1em 0.5em 1em;"

|+ Deaths by island in Vanuatu

scope="col" align="center"|Island

! scope="col" align="center"|Fatalities

! scope="col" align="center"|Ref.

Efate

|align="center"|7

|{{cite web|publisher=Radio New Zealand International|date=22 March 2015|access-date=31 March 2015|title=Vanuatu govt still say Cyclone Pam death toll at 11|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/269306/vanuatu-govt-still-say-cyclone-pam-death-toll-at-11}}

Lelepa

|align="center"|1

Mataso

|align="center"|2

|{{cite web|agency=The Pacific Islands News Association|work=Vanuatu Daily Post|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=31 March 2015|access-date=31 March 2015|title=63 Mataso locals evacuated to Efate|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/63-mataso-locals-evacuated-efate}}

Tanna

|align="center"|5

Unknown

|align="center"|0–1

|{{cite news|title=Tropical Cyclone Pam: Vanuatu death toll rises to 16 as relief effort continues|newspaper=ABC News |date=21 March 2015 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-21/un-raises-vanuatu-cyclone-death-toll/6337816|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=22 March 2015}}

class="sortbottom"

| align="center"| Total

| align="center"| 15–16

class="sortbottom"

| colspan = 3 | Fatalities include indirect deaths also

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.{{cite web|author=Joshua Robertson|work=The Guardian |date=15 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|title=Cyclone Pam: more deaths and water shortages to follow storm |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/15/cyclone-pam-vanuatu-more-deaths-water-shortages-storm}} Approximately 95 percent of the homes on Tongoa were reportedly destroyed. Total damage in Vanuatu reached VT48.6 billion (US$449 million).{{cite report|last=Esler|first=Simone|publisher=Government of Vanuatu|department=Vanuatu Prime Minister’s Office|date=31 March 2015|access-date=16 May 2022|title=Supporting cyclone recovery and reconstruction in Vanuatu|url=https://www.gfdrr.org/sites/default/files/publication/pda-2015-vanuatu_0.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516223846/https://www.gfdrr.org/sites/default/files/publication/pda-2015-vanuatu_0.pdf|archive-date=16 May 2022|url-status=live}}

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 died there.

The Tukoro, Vanuata's most significant patrol vessel, was washed ashore on Moso Island. Repairs took 16 months.

According to UNESCO, a total of $268.4 million is needed for total recovery and rehabilitation of the nation.{{cite web|publisher=Prevention Web|date=15 May 2015|access-date=2 July 2015|title=UNESCO supports recovery of Vanuatu's culture sector following Tropical Cyclone Pam|url=http://www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/news/v.php?id=44408|archive-date=2 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002054935/http://www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/news/v.php?id=44408|url-status=dead}}

=Tuvalu=

Prior to the formation of Cyclone Pam, flooding from king tides, which peaked at {{convert|3.4|m|ft|abbr=on}} on 19 February 2015, caused considerable road damage across the multi-island nation of Tuvalu.{{cite news|title=Peak tide affects Tuvaluan communities living in coastal and low-lying areas|date=24 February 2015|publisher=Island Business (FENUI NEWS/PACNEWS)|url=http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/6595/peak-tide-affects-tuvaluan-communities-living-in-c/|access-date=23 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316175735/http://islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/6595/peak-tide-affects-tuvaluan-communities-living-in-c/|archive-date=16 March 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=24 February 2015|access-date=17 March 2015|title=Tuvalu surveys road damage after king tides|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/266995/tuvalu-surveys-road-damage-after-king-tides}} Between 10 and 11 March, waves, estimated to be {{convert|3|–|5|m|ft|abbr=on}}, 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.{{cite report|work=International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=16 March 2015|access-date=17 March 2015|title=Emergency Plan of Action (EPoA) Tuvalu: Tropical Cyclone Pam|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/MDRTV001dref.pdf}}{{cite web| work= Radio New Zealand International |title= One Tuvalu island evacuated after flooding from Pam|date =18 March 2015|url= http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/268988/one-tuvalu-island-evacuated-after-flooding-from-pam| access-date=18 March 2015}} Significant damage to agriculture and infrastructure occurred. The outermost islands were hardest hit, with one flooded in its entirety.{{cite web|agency=Radio New Zealand |work=The Fiji Times|date=16 March 2015|access-date=17 March 2015|title=Emergency supplies being mobilised for Tuvalu|url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=298438|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402092423/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=298438|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}} A state of emergency was subsequently declared on 14 March.{{cite web|publisher=Radio New Zealand International|date=14 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|title=State of emergency in Tuvalu|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/268612/state-of-emergency-in-tuvalu}}{{cite web |title=Press Release issued by the Office of the Prime Minister |publisher=Fenui News |date=13 March 2015 |url=https://www.un.int/tuvalu/sites/www.un.int/files/Tuvalu/Documents/GA/fenui_mar_13_2015_special_edition.pdf |access-date=17 November 2018}} Water supplies on Nui were contaminated by seawater and rendered undrinkable. An estimated 45 percent of the nation's nearly 10,000 people were displaced, according to Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga.{{cite news|title=45 percent of Tuvalu population displaced – PM |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/268686/45-percent-of-tuvalu-population-displaced-pm |work=Radio New Zealand International |date=15 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015}} Damage across the nation amounted to US$92 million.{{cite web|publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=25 June 2015|title=Tuvalu hit with US$90m cyclone damage bill|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/277181/tuvalu-hit-with-us$90m-cyclone-damage-bill}}

=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.{{cite web|publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=12 March 2015|access-date=12 March 2015|title=Vanuatu prepares for worst as Cyclone Pam approaches|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/20170648/vanuatu-prepares-for-worst-as-cyclone-pam-approaches}} Trees and crops were flattened, and residents sheltered in schools and in caves after their homes were destroyed.{{cite news|title=Cyclone damage in Solomon Islands|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/solomon-islands/cyclone-damage-solomon-islands|access-date=15 March 2015|agency=Radio New Zealand International|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=13 March 2015}} Rainfall was particularly intense over the Santa Cruz Islands, where a 24‑hour total of {{convert|495|mm|in|abbr=on}} was observed.{{cite web|author=Richard Angwin|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=11 March 2015|access-date=12 March 2015|title=Tropical Cyclone Pam batters South Pacific islands|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/03/tropical-cyclone-pam-batters-south-pacific-islands-150311090623902.html}} Continuous heavy rain prompted the evacuation of 500 students in West Guadalcanal.{{cite web|publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=12 March 2015|access-date=12 March 2015|title=Storm forces mass evacuation of Solomons school|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/268533/storm-forces-mass-evacuation-of-solomons-school}}

The storm later struck the remote islands of Anuta and Tikopia on 12 March, causing extensive damage. Approximately 1,500 homes were damaged or destroyed in the region and 5,000 people were directly.{{cite web|publisher=Solomon Star|date=25 March 2015|access-date=29 March 2015|title=World Vision to provide relief to Temotu|url=http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/6281-world-vision-to-provide-relief-to-temotu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121551/http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/6281-world-vision-to-provide-relief-to-temotu|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}} 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;{{cite web|publisher=Radio New Zealand International|date=13 March 2015|access-date=29 March 2015|title=Cyclone damage in Solomon Islands|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/268599/cyclone-damage-in-solomon-islands}} the island remained isolated for at least a week after Pam's passage.{{cite web|publisher=Radio New Zealand International|date=20 March 2015|access-date=29 March 2015|title=Aid to Solomons Tikopia and Anuta|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/269138/aid-to-solomons-tikopia-and-anuta}}

=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.{{cite news|author=Felix Chaudhary|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=11 March 2015|access-date=12 March 2015|title=Cawaki warns of flooding|url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=297745|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151907/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=297745|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}} On 11 March, 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.{{cite web|author1=Government of Fiji|title=Northern Division activates Emergency Operations Centre|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/northern-division-activates-emergency-operations-centre|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=15 March 2015|date=11 March 2015}} Emergency shelters for possible evacuations were identified by 12 March.{{cite news|author=Serafina Silaitoga|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=12 March 2015|access-date=12 March 2015|title=On full alert|url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=297855|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402131138/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=297855|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}} Fears concerning the Fijian infrastructure's susceptibility to winds and flooding were raised by the Disaster Management Office.{{cite web|author1=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|title=Cyclone Pam moves through Pacific Ocean with potential of turning into category five system|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-10/pacific-nations-bracing-for-strengthening-cyclone-pam/6293382|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=15 March 2015|date=10 March 2015}} Later that day, cruise operators announced that trips to the Yasawa Islands would be cancelled due to the storm.{{cite news|author=Felix Chaudhary|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=12 March 2015|access-date=12 March 2015|title=Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam: Cruise operators cancel Yasawa trips|url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=297942|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402115935/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=297942|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}} Anticipating dangerous conditions from the cyclone, the fifth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race was postponed until at least 01:00 UTC on 16 March.{{cite web|publisher=Scuttlebutt Sailing News|date=11 March 2015|access-date=12 March 2015|title=Volvo Ocean Race postpones start due to Tropical Cyclone Pam|url=http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2015/03/11/volvo-ocean-race-postpones-start-due-to-tropical-cyclone-pam/}} Other residents were warned not to venture out to sea as Pam passed nearby.{{cite web|author1=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|title=Cyclone Pam: Pacific nations on alert as storm intensifies to category three system|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-11/cyclone-pam-strengthens-as-pacific-states-remain-on-alert/6300910|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=15 March 2015|date=11 March 2015}}

=New Caledonia=

File:Pam Mar 15 2015 0205Z.jpg

A pre-cyclone alert was raised in New Caledonia as a precaution. On 13 March 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.{{cite web|url=https://securite-civile.nc/communiques-presse/communique-de-pressedscgrdu-13-mars-2015alerte-cyclonique-ndeg1-pam |title=Communiqué de presse_DSCGR_du 13 mars 2015_alerte cyclonique n°1 (PAM) | Direction de la Sécurité Civile et de la Gestion des Risques|language=fr|publisher=Securite-civile.nc |access-date=14 March 2015}} The second and highest level of cyclone alert was raised at 03:00 local time on 14 March 2015 for the islands of Maré and Lifou,{{cite web|url=https://securite-civile.nc/communiques-presse/communique-de-pressedscgrdu-13-mars-2015alerte-cyclonique-ndeg2-pam |title=Communiqué de presse_DSCGR_du 13 mars 2015_alerte cyclonique n°2 (PAM) | Direction de la Sécurité Civile et de la Gestion des Risques |language=fr|publisher=Securite-civile.nc |access-date=14 March 2015}} and the alert ended at 17:00 and 20:00 local time on the same day. All alert levels were then lifted on Sunday, 15 March 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.lnc.nc/article/pays/legers-degats-sur-le-caillou |title=Légers Dégâts sur le Caillou|date=17 March 2015 |language=fr|publisher=Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes |access-date=17 March 2015}}

=New Zealand=

Civil Defense officials in New Zealand 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 {{convert|6|–|8|m|ft|abbr=on}} were forecast with potential for damage exceeding that of Cyclone Bola – which struck New Zealand's North Island in 1988.{{cite web|publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=12 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|title=NZ braces for Cyclone Pam|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/268479/nz-braces-for-cyclone-pam}}

On 15 March gale-force winds began affecting northern parts of the North Island and continued into the following day, with gusts peaking at {{convert|148|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} in Kaeo and {{convert|144|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} in Hicks Bay.{{cite web|last1=Noble|first1=Chris|title=TC Pam Summary|url=http://blog.metservice.com/2015/03/tc-pam-summary/|publisher=MetService|access-date=20 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331073339/http://blog.metservice.com/2015/03/tc-pam-summary/|archive-date=31 March 2015|url-status=dead}} Some voluntary evacuations took place in the Gisborne region.{{cite web|publisher=3News|date=15 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|title=Cyclone Pam reaches New Zealand|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/cyclone-pam-reaches-new-zealand-2015031517|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324143221/http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/cyclone-pam-reaches-new-zealand-2015031517|archive-date=24 March 2015|url-status=dead}} Power outages took place in the Whangarei District. Heavy rains accompanied the system as well, with over {{convert|200|mm|in|abbr=on}} falling in areas between Hicks Bay and Gisborne.{{cite web|author=Singh, Bill|title=Cyclone Pam – Latest update 7:35 pm Monday 16th March|url=http://blog.metservice.com/2015/03/cyclone-pam-latest-update-715pm-monday-16th-march/|publisher=MetService|access-date=16 March 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150316095840/http://blog.metservice.com/2015/03/cyclone-pam-latest-update-715pm-monday-16th-march/|archive-date=16 March 2015|url-status=dead}} Along the coast, waves reached {{convert|4.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} in Tutukaka and {{convert|5|–|6|m|ft|abbr=on}} near Tolaga Bay.{{cite web|author=Collette Devlin and Ian Steward|publisher=Stuff |date=15 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|title=Cyclone Pam weakening as it nears New Zealand video |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/67382617/cyclone-pam-bears-down-on-new-zealand}}{{cite news|last1=McCracken|first1=Heather|last2=Papatsoumas|first2=Nikki|last3=Feek|first3=Belinda|last4=Gisborne Herald staff|title=Cyclone Pam: 'Never seen anything like it'|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11418050|access-date=16 March 2015|work=The New Zealand Herald |date=16 March 2015}} The cyclone also brought cooler temperatures throughout most of the North Island and northern South Island.

The storm later brought winds up to {{convert|140|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} to the Chatham Islands (pop: 650), prompting the declaration of a civil defence emergency. Downed trees cut power to portions of the islands, though no major damage was reported. Twelve people sought refuge in a public shelter.{{cite news|author=Cate Broughton|work=Stuff |date=17 March 2015|access-date=17 March 2015|title=Pam causes power outage in Chatham Islands |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/67420348/extropical-cyclone-pam-bears-down-on-chatham-islands}} A wharf on the north side of the islands was damaged by rough seas.{{cite web|author=John Weekes and Sophie Ryan|work=Gisborne Herald |date=17 March 2015|access-date=17 March 2015|title=Cyclone Pam: Conditions expected to worsen in Chathams|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11418579}} Insurance loss in New Zealand amounted to NZ$2.2 million (US$1.63 million).{{cite web|url=https://www.icnz.org.nz/industry/cost-of-natural-disasters/|title=Cost of natural disasters|publisher=Insurance Council of New Zealand|year=2024|access-date=13 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213152442/https://www.icnz.org.nz/industry/cost-of-natural-disasters/|archive-date=13 December 2024|url-status=live}}

Aftermath

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

=Vanuatu=

File:Boat Graveyard 14 March 2015.jpg

Before the disaster, many developed countries pledged funds to assist smaller, developing nations with disaster preparation and relief efforts.{{cite web|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2015/0314/Cyclone-Pam-Why-Japan-is-a-leader-in-disaster-relief-video|title=Cyclone Pam: Why Japan is a leader in disaster relief|work=The Christian Science Monitor|author=Jessica Mendoza|date=14 March 2015}} Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank, has called for insurance schemes to help the Vanuatu government respond to natural disasters.{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/548eb38a-ca33-11e4-b61c-00144feab7de.html|title=Vanuatu appeals for help after Cyclone Pam strikes|work=Financial Times|date=15 March 2015}} United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlighted that climate change leads to increased risks of natural disasters.{{cite web|url=http://www.dw.de/ban-highlights-climate-risks-as-vanuatu-counts-dead-from-cyclone-pam/a-18316440|title=Ban highlights climate risks as Vanuatu counts dead from Cyclone Pam|publisher=Deutsche Welle|date=14 March 2015}}

While attending the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, Vanuatu President Baldwin Lonsdale requested international assistance for his people.{{cite web|author=Elizabeth Chuck|work=NBC News|date=15 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|title='Disaster' in Vanuatu After Cyclone Pam Tears Through Pacific Archipelago|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/cyclone-pam-rips-through-vanuatu-south-pacific-n323391}} 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 14 March 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. The French overseas territories of New Caledonia and French Polynesia have granted €300,000 (US$318,000) of immediate emergency aid.{{cite web|url=https://www.province-sud.nc/content/la-province-sud-soutient-le-vanuatu-apr%C3%A8s-le-cyclone-pam|title=Notre soutien au Vanuatu après le cyclone Pam|access-date=17 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402100215/https://www.province-sud.nc/content/la-province-sud-soutient-le-vanuatu-apr%C3%A8s-le-cyclone-pam|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://polynesie.la1ere.fr/2015/03/16/la-polynesie-debloque-10-millions-de-francs-pour-aider-les-sinistres-du-vanuatu-238881.html|title=La Polynésie débloque 10 millions de francs pour aider les sinistrés du Vanuatu|work=polynésie 1ère}}

File:Devastation after Cyclone Pam 14 March 2015.jpg seafront on 14 March]]

File:Remaining Debris from Cyclone Pam - Sunken Boat.png three years after Cyclone Pam. Photo captured in 2018.]]

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.{{cite web|author=Joshua Kuku|agency=Agence France-Presse|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=14 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|title=Aid effort stepped up after monster Vanuatu cyclone|location=Suva, Fiji|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/tuvalu/aid-effort-stepped-after-monster-vanuatu-cyclone}} On 15 March, 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.{{cite web|author=David Wroe and Lisa Visentin|work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=15 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|title=Cyclone Pam: Australia gives Vanuatu $5 million in aid|url=http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/cyclone-pam-australia-gives-vanuatu-5-million-in-aid-20150315-144f23.html}} On 15 March 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.{{cite web|url=https://radiococotier.nc/info/lassistance-au-vanuatu-cest-parti/|title=L'assistance au Vanuatu, c'est parti |work=Radio Cocotier}} A second CASA-235 was dispatched from French Polynesia carrying tools for rebuilding, satelitte communications, tents and logistics supplies for 10 days.{{cite web|url=http://fr.dfns.net/2015/03/16/deux-casa-et-un-guardian-engages-pour-venir-en-aide-a-vanuatu/|title=Deux Casa et un Guardian engagés pour venir en aide à Vanuatu|work=DFNS.net en Français}}

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. 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. Residents on Moso Island, located just north of Efate, were forced to drink saltwater. Survivors stated that no aid had reached them as of 17 March, and most were forced to scavenge for food. It was not until 27 March, two weeks after Pam struck, that aid finally reached all of the affected islands.{{cite web|publisher=United Nations News Centre|date=27 March 2015|access-date=30 March 2015|title=Cyclone Pam: UN agency reports all 22 Vanuatu islands reached with relief supplies|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50440}}

On 24 March, IsraAid reached Tongoa in the Shepherds Islands group by boat,{{cite web|url=http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/ForeignPolicy/Aid/Pages/IsraAID-brings-aid-to-Vanuatu-after-Cyclone-Pam-22-Mar-2015.aspx|title=IsraAID brings aid to Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam|work=GxMSDev}} and distributed over 40 tons of rice, flour and water to twelve villages and eight schools on two islands levelled by the cyclone.{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/after-cyclone-israeli-mission-provides-relief-in-vanuatu/|title=After cyclone, Israeli mission provides relief in Vanuatu|work=The Times of Israel}}

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency responded by distributing shelter kits, water filtration kits and food packages, as well as setting up 10 evacuation centres in Port Vila.{{cite web |url=https://adra.org/vital-needs-met-in-vanuatu |title=Vital Needs Met in Vanuatu |publisher=ADRA |date=25 March 2015 |access-date=9 July 2022}} In total, ADRA assisted more than 10,000 people in 2586 households across three islands.

=Tuvalu=

New Zealand started providing aid to Tuvalu on 14 March.{{cite web| work= Radio New Zealand International |title= International assistance due today in Tuvalu|date =17 March 2015|url= http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/268866/international-assistance-due-today-in-tuvalu| access-date=17 March 2015}} Owing to the severity of damage in the nation, the local chapter of the Red Cross enacted an emergency operation plan on 16 March 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. Flights carrying these supplies from Fiji began on 17 March. Prime Minister Sopoaga stated that Tuvalu appeared capable of handling the disaster on its own and urged that international relief be focused on Vanuatu. Tuvalu's Disaster Coordinator, Suneo Silu, said the priority island is Nui as sources of fresh water were contaminated. On 17 March, the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a donation of US$61,000 in aid to Tuvalu.{{cite web|agency=Central News Agency |publisher=Focus Taiwan |date=17 March 2015 |access-date=17 March 2015 |title=Taiwan donates US$61,000 to cyclone-hit Tuvalu |location=Taipei, Taiwan |url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201503170033.aspx |archive-date=18 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318054808/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201503170033.aspx |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} UNICEF and Australia have committed to deliver aid to Tuvalu.{{cite web| work= UN News Centre |title= UNICEF rushes emergency supplies for cyclone-affected Tuvalu |date =19 March 2015|url= https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50368 | access-date=22 March 2015}}{{cite web| agency=Australian Associated Press| title=Aust sends cyclone aid to Tuvalu| date=19 March 2015| url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/26729475/aust-sends-cyclone-aid-to-tuvalu/| access-date=22 March 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402191527/https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/26729475/aust-sends-cyclone-aid-to-tuvalu/| archive-date=2 April 2015| url-status=dead}}

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.{{cite web|url= http://reliefweb.int/report/tuvalu/tuvalu-tropical-cyclone-pam-situation-report-no-1-22-march-2015 |title=Tuvalu: Tropical Cyclone Pam Situation Report No. 1 (as of 22 March 2015)| date =22 March 2015|publisher= Relief Web |access-date= 25 March 2015}}

The Situation Report published on 30 March reported that on Nukufetau all the displaced people have returned to their homes.{{cite web|url= http://reliefweb.int/report/tuvalu/tuvalu-tropical-cyclone-pam-situation-report-no-2-30-march-2015 |title=Tuvalu: Tropical Cyclone Pam Situation Report No. 2 (as of 30 March 2015)| date =30 March 2015|publisher= Relief Web |access-date= 30 March 2015}} 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. 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 stabilised.

References

{{Reflist|refs=

{{cite news

| url = http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/NewsPapers/Navy/editions/5918/5918.pdf#page=9

| title = PPB on mend after cyclone

| work = Navy News

| volume = 58

| number = 23

| author = Dave Morley

| date = 2015-12-03

| page = 9

| access-date = 2018-08-12

| quote = According to LCDR Lewis, the Tukoro was left sitting dead flat on the beach and suffered damage to the propeller shafts and rudders and some damage to the hull itself, although it wasn’t holed.

}}

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20150326220833/http://about.metservice.com/homepagerss/cyclone-pam-all-news All the news] of Cyclone Pam from MetService

[http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tcdat/tc15/SHEM/17P.PAM/ 17P.PAM] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027025257/http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tcdat/tc15/SHEM/17P.PAM/ |date=27 October 2017 }} from the US Naval Research Laboratory

Category:2014–15 South Pacific cyclone season

Category:2015 in Kiribati

Category:2015 in New Caledonia

Category:2015 in New Zealand

Category:2015 in the Solomon Islands

Category:2015 in Tuvalu

Category:2015 in Vanuatu

Category:Category 5 South Pacific cyclones

Category:Tropical cyclones in Kiribati

Category:Tropical cyclones in New Caledonia

Category:Tropical cyclones in New Zealand

Category:Tropical cyclones in the Solomon Islands