World

Food shortages feared in Vanuatu

09:01 am on 27 January 2011

Food shortages are feared in areas affected by Cyclone Vania which swept through parts of Vanuatu over a week ago.

The cyclone hit islands in Tafea province, including Tanna island, the main centre of the region.

The National Disaster Management Office says most fruit and vegetable crops were wiped out in in Tafea province, including on Tanna island, the main centre of the region.

Planner Peter Korisa says it seems like most of the crops, especially cassava, taro, banana, have been completely destroyed. This includes some cash crops, such as kava, which is one of the main income sources.

He says there is no fruit market in Tanna at the moment.