Vanuatu's meteorological service has issued a cyclone warning for Tafea province as category three cyclone Ula moves closer to the country.
A satellite image of cyclone Ula, to the east of Vanuatu, taken on Saturday. Photo: Vanuatu Meteorological Service
Ula is currently about 410 kilometres east of Tanna, and 370 kilometres northeast of Aneityum, moving in a south-southwest direction at seven kilometres an hour.
Winds at the cyclone's centre are estimated at 130 kilometres an hour and are continuing to intensify.
The office warns that Tafea province in the country's south can expect damaging gale force winds, very rough seas, and heavy rainfall that could trigger flash floods.
The province was one of the worst affected by the category five cyclone Pam in March last year, and has been struggling with drought caused by this summer's El Niño system.
Vanuatu's National Disaster Management Office says a Blue Alert is now in effect for Tafea, and residents are advised to listen to radio outlets to get the latest information.
To the southwest, New Caledonia's government has issued a cyclone pre-alert for the entire territory, with Ula expected to enter its waters on Monday.
A map forecasting the path Cyclone Ula is likely to take. Tafea province, which includes Tanna, is shaded yellow. Photo: Vanuatu Meteorological Service
RNZ International will broadcast cyclone warnings to listeners in Vanuatu when they become available. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/listen