Pacific

Cyclone Gina forces residents to flee homes in Vanuatu

14:07 pm on 20 May 2022

People living by a river near the Vanuatu capital Port Vila have been evacuated from their homes this morning following heavy rain.

The rain, caused by Cyclone Gina, resulted in the Prima River to over flow.

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Shefa provincial government disaster officer, Eddy Maliliu, says some residents are staying at a local church, and others are staying with relatives.

All schools in Port Vila are closed.

Cyclone Gina has brought wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour to Shefa and Tafea provinces and are forecast to continue until tonight at least.

The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department says the category one storm is due to cause some very rough seas.

Meanwhile, Air Vanuatu has cancelled its Sydney service due to the weather.

Domestic services have also been postponed. The International Airport of Bauerfield has been flooded.

Photo: Hilaire Bule

Airport staff said the runway, tarmac and building were badly affected.

Aircraft including the Boeing of Air Vanuatu and other private airlines are now sitting in water.

Parliament is now adjourned until next Monday. In order for Parliament to proceed with with its business there must a quorum of 27 MPs in the chamber. This morning there were less than 27 MPs present.