Police officers in Vanuatu have been recalled from leave in order to mount what the acting police commissioner says will be a massive relief operation.
Colonel Job Esau says the police force is operating in line with the National Emergency Management Council and will be supporting relief operations throughout Port Vila.
He says Cyclone Pam has caused a lot of damage to police headquarters and other facilities in the town, but operations haven't been affected.
"We are now stepping up our operations and we've just had another meeting and I'm recalling all the police who are on leave to be recalled back to duty so that we can have enough manpower to support the national effort on disaster relief operations should it come around."
Colonel Job Esau says police headquarters has been unable to make contact with posts throughout the country.
Police block access to a bridge that was badly damaged by Cyclone Pam, near the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila. Photo: AFP / UNICEF Pacific