PORT VILA, VANUATU - A powerful storm has made landfall in the tiny island nation of Vanuatu.
Tropical Cyclone Pam has been categorized as a Category 5 storm, bringing sustained winds of up to 165 MPH, and gusts topping out at 200 MPH.
The storm could bring flooding to the country's capital and largest city, Port Vila, which is vulnerable to storm surges.
Radar imagery showing the massive storm as of 2 p.m. EST Friday
While some areas could be flooded with up to 16 inches of water, the strong winds also threaten buildings on the 83-island archipelago. Many houses in Vanuatu are constructed of cheap, flimsy materials that don't stand up well to hurricane-force winds. Michael Wolfe, of World Vision's Vanuatu branch, told CNN:
"The wind outside is terrifying. I can't imagine what it's like for families out there who weren't able to find safe shelter before the storm."
Vanuatu's 250,000 citizens have been advised to seek shelter in sturdy buildings until the storm passes. Tropical Storm Pam is expected to weaken after blowing through Vanuatu this weekend, and could make landfall in New Zealand by Sunday or Monday.
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