The island of Efate, part of the Shefa Province, Vanuatu, saw a record 157.7 mm of rain fall in 24 hours between 06 and 07 October 2014.
The heavy rain has continued to fall for several days and caused widesrpead flash flooding. Over 60 mm was recorded on Tanna island, Tafea Province, in the 24 hours period to 09 October 2014.
Hundreds were evacuated after flash flooding raged in several parts of the country. Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management set up 7 evacuation centres to house the displaced. Disaster authorities say that many of the evacuated have been able to return to their homes, although over 200 remain in the evacuation centre in Eratap Village, south-east of Port Vila, Efate island. Although authorities are still assessing the impact of the flood, Efate island is the area thought to be worst affected, where many homes of the displaced have been severely damaged or completely destroyed.
Local media are reporting that one man died after he was swept away by the swollen La Colle River.
#floodsinvanuatu Flooding in Port Vila. Airport closed #vanuatu #floods pic.twitter.com/JrE6fTsUIK
— Tiffany Carroll (@PacIsLiving) October 7, 2014
#floodsinvanuatu #floods #vanuatu photo by Royson Willie Daily Post pic.twitter.com/2Ll7D5T4a0
— Tiffany Carroll (@PacIsLiving) October 7, 2014
The nearby islands of New Caledonia have also seen heavy rainfall. According to WMO, Ouloup, Ile Ouvea, received 60.4 mm of rain in 24 hours up to 09 October 2014. So far no flooding has been reported.
