Hundreds Evacuated as Vanuatu Braces for Second Cyclone in 2 Days

Vanuatu’s Cyclone Kevin, which will make landfall on the Pacific Island nation two days following a devastating cyclone and triggering an earthquake that left more than 400 dead, has forced nearly 400 to remain in evacuation centers.

Fiji Meteorology Service reported that Tropical Cyclon Kevin reached Vanuatu last Friday. The storm brought heavy rains, wind gusts as high as 230km (143 mi) an hour.

According to meteorological agencies, the cyclone grew to a Category 5 Saturday, over open water to Vanuatu’s southeast. It is expected that adverse weather conditions will affect the Fiji Group.

Extreme tropical cyclone #Kevin Pacific islands are being hit #VanuatuIt was also shaken and damaged by an earthquake. #Judy This week, earlier. WMO Regional Centre: Destructive winds, heavy rains @FJMETservice
Image @CopernicusEU #Sentinel2 Posted on March 2, 2005 pic.twitter.com/qzklDQfFnP

— World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) March 3, 2023

The earthquake comes only two days following the destruction of category 4 Cyclone Judy in the Pacific Island nation. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, on Friday, two cyclones triggered a magnitude 6.6 earthquake at Vanuatu.

On Friday, the government declared an emergency and asked those who had suffered damage to evacuate.

“People who have lost their houses and belongings were advised to stay in the evacu