Cyclone Lola: evacuation efforts continue in Vanuatu as storm weakens

The International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) have reported that their volunteers in Vanuatu are aiding communities quickly and safely.

Yesterday Red Cross volunteers in Vanuatu helped mobilise locals to evacuation centres and prepare them for cyclone Lola.

IFRC's Communications Manager Soneel Ram, says since then they have "mobilised into the communities and been advising community members on what to do, how to be prepared".

Last night cyclone Lola reached max winds of 205 km/h with gusts up to 285 km/h, wreaking havoc across the South Pacific nation.

This morning the Fiji Meteorological Service reported that Tropical Cyclone Lola weakened from a Category five to four storm.

Today hurricane force winds of up to 165 kmph are expected to move southwest over Vanuatu and should weaken on its way towards New Caledonia.

IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain who is on the ground says Vanuatu was "battered" by twin cyclones earlier this year and parts are still recovering from their impact.

Jagan Chapagain. Photo/Twitter: @ifrc

"As the world is focusing on major global crisis, it's important that we do not forget the crisis that do not make the headlines," Chapagain says.