Cyclone Pam – MFAT image.[/caption]
Tropical Cyclone Pam (a Category 5 cyclone), continues to move in a southerly direction. It has passed close to the southern islands of Vanuatu, including Port Vila. The cyclone has brought high winds, heavy rainfall and flooding to Vanuatu.
We currently advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to Vanuatu due to TC Pam (High risk). Please see the travel advisory for Vanuatu for further information.
The cyclone is also expected to bring heavy rain, flooding, strong winds and a large swell to parts of New Caledonia and Fiji.
For further information please see the following websites:
* Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department
Advice for New Zealanders:
New Zealanders in Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia are advised to follow the advice of the local authorities at all times (including any evacuation orders) and seek suitable shelter. We recommend monitoring local media to stay informed of developments.
Visitors and tourists staying in travel accommodation should follow the guidance of the accommodation management and/or tour operators. You should remain well away from the sea and rivers.
Flights to and from Vanuatu and New Caledonia are affected by the cyclone. As a safety precaution, Vanuatu’s international airport is currently closed. It is anticipated commercial flights will continue once the cyclone has passed through and the airport reopens.
New Zealanders in Vanuatu wishing to depart are advised to contact their airline, travel agent or travel insurance provider directly to make arrangements. Please see the websites forAir Vanuatu,Air New Zealand, and Qantas.
New Zealanders in Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia are advised to register their details on SafeTravel. It is also important to keep family and friends in New Zealand updated on your well-being.
Communications infrastructure has been damaged by the cyclone and it could take some time for communication lines to be restored in the worst affected areas. This may make contacting family members in Vanuatu difficult. Telephone networks and internet connections have been affected.
If you have concerns about a New Zealand citizen family member in Vanuatu, please try and make direct contact in the first instance and if you have ongoing concerns, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade:
Tel: 04 439 8000 (if calling from within New Zealand)
Tel: +64 4 439 8000 (if calling from outside New Zealand)
New Zealanders affected by Tropical Cyclone Pam who require consular assistance are advised to contact the relevant New Zealand High Commission or Consulate-General:
The New Zealand High Commission Port Vila, Vanuatu
Telephone +678 22 933 Email kiwi@vanuatu.com.vu
(Please note that the High Commission in Port Vila has closed to the public)
The New Zealand High Commission Suva, Fiji
Telephone + 679 331 1422 Email NZHC@unwired.com.fj
The New Zealand Consulate-General Noumea, New Caledonia
Telephone +687 272 543 Mobile +687 79 19 22 (24 hrs) Email consulatnz@yahoo.com
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