Tropical storm hits South Pacific nations

Several South Pacific nations have been hit by the tropical storm, Cyclone Pam.

The category five tropical storm is reported to be bearing down on Vanuatu  after causing destruction in several South Pacific nations including Tuvalu, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, causing significant damage.

Vanuatu has issued a red alert nationwide as the cyclone has reached its north and is expected to be felt in the capital, Port Vila, on Friday night.

There have been no casualties or loss of life reported yet.

Meanwhile, category 3 Cyclone Olwyn has hit the coast of Western Australia with wind gusts of up to 195kph (120mph).

Tuvalu has declared a state of emergency following the flash floods which have occurred in the area.

The storm also destroyed homes and flooded crop areas in Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, where at least 3,000 households have been affected.