Hundreds of people have lost their homes after two cyclones hit Vanuatu

Australian aid workers are heading to Vanuatu as the country struggles after a second cyclone to hit the country.

A few days after Hurricane Judy hit, a state of emergency was declared due to the extremely strong winds and torrential rain that Hurricane Kevin wreaked havoc on the country.

There have been no casualties, but buildings have been damaged, infrastructure has been affected by flooding, and homes are currently without power.

A red alert has been issued for Tafea province in the south of the country, home to nearly 30,000 people.

According to UNICEF, more than 50,000 children were affected by the two natural disasters. Schools, health facilities, homes and critical infrastructure were also damaged.

World Vision Australia says hundreds of people are currently living in emergency shelters in the capital, Port Vila, and tens of thousands more have been affected by the cyclones.

Australia Unity

Workers from the Australian organization have set up an operations center in Vanuatu and are distributing supplies while their offices are being repaired.

Conditions are expected to improve by Sunday as Hurricane Kevin moves south.

Australia sent a twelve-man team with emergency supplies. The Royal Australian Air Force will assist with aerial damage assessment.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told The New Daily on Friday: “The Australian Defense Force works closely with Pacific states and provides excellent support to Vanuatu.”