The Pacific nation of Vanuatu expects to be hit by a powerful cyclone, which is currently intensifying in the South Pacific Ocean east of the Solomon Islands, sources said.
Tropical Cyclone Pam is due to reach Category 5 intensity before Friday, according to the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office.
It said that it has already issued a yellow alert for the northern half of the island chain and a blue alert for the southernmost Tafea province.