Vanuatu: Cyclone Donna categorised as ‘severe’, alerts issued for Vanuatu and New Caledonia, May 7

Event

Early on Saturday, May 6, Tropical Cyclone Donna became a Category 4 ‘severe’ storm. The storm has remained some 300km (186 mi) off the western coast of Torba province, where a red alert remains in place, as with high gusts and rain continuing to hit Vanuatu’s northern islands.  Torres Islands have been the worst hit, with winds gusting as high as 160 km/h (99 mi/h) expected to last into Sunday night. Communication to the island group has been difficult, and disaster authorities are on standby.

The storm is expected to track south throughout Sunday, May 7, gradually weakening. Though Donna is expected to track far enough west to spare Vanuatu’s more populous southern islands a direct hit, the area will still experience severe weather, including heavy rainfall, destructive winds, and flash flooding in Torba, Penama, Malampa, and Sanma provinces. Coastal flooding, with potential landslides and road closures, are expected to occur, especially in low lying areas and those close to river banks. Disaster authorities have already issued a blue warning for Vanuatu, urging people to prepare their homes, cut down dangerous trees, charge their phones, and have flashlights, food and water ready. Flight disruptions are still possible at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI).

The slightly more south-western tracking of the storm exposes New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands to the storm; the government has declared a “pre-alert”, with residents urged to prepare for the cyclone’s arrival and to expect heavy rainfall and locally damaging winds. Donna is expected to reach New Caledonia late on May 7 and into May 8.

Donna is expected to dissipate after Wednesday, May 10, as it tracks into cooler waters south of Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Context

Cyclone season in Vanuatu occurs from November to April, but tropical storms and cyclones can occur during other months.

Advice

Individuals present in areas affected by the cyclone warning are advised to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities, to keep abreast of the situation via local media outlets, and to be prepared for transportation disruptions until the situation normalizes. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and foodstuffs disposed of.