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Aid agencies in Vanuatu are preparing for the arrival of Cyclone Lola.

Aid agencies in Vanuatu are preparing for the arrival of Cyclone Lola.

Photo/Vanuatu Red Cross

Pacific Region

Vanuatu braces for impact of Cyclone Lola

Aid agencies preparing for Cyclone Lola which is picking up speed ahead of making landfall in Vanuatu.

PMN Author
PMN News
Published
24 October 2023, 5:02pm
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A tropical cyclone is bearing down on parts of Vanuatu, with forecasters predicting winds could reach more than 300 km/h.

The northern provinces of Torba, Sanma, Penama and Malampa are likely to be hit by "very destructive hurricane force winds", according to the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Lola Category 5 is heading for Vanuatu. Photo/Fiji Meteorological Service

Severe Tropical Cyclone Lola Category 5 is heading for Vanuatu. Photo/Fiji Meteorological Service

The cyclone is picking up strength as it moves towards Vanuatu, with Fiji Met Service upgrading it to a Category 5 - the highest level on the cyclone scale.

Aid agencies in Vanuatu are preparing for the cyclone and warning communities about the nearest evacuation centres.

A number of areas are still clearing up after the impact of Cyclones Judy and Kevin in March.