Vanuatu Population

Its population is 258,334 (2012) with an expected 2.3% increase. Ni-Vanuatu, the tribal population, is predominantly Melanesic with few Europeans, Chinese, Vietnamese, Polynesians and Micronesians. Bichelama (or Bichelama), an English Melanese lidan. Its population is made up mainly of Christians and tribal Pacific faiths (about 10%).

Cyclone Pam affects half of Vanuatu population: United Nations

Vanuatu, Port Vila: More than half of the population of the South Pacific state of Vanuatu is affected by Cyclone Pam, the UN said today, when the number of deaths increased to 16. The severe tropical cyclone Pam that hit the islands a fortnight ago brought constant wind speeds of about 250 kilometers per minute that ravaged whole towns.

"Approximately 166,000 poeple, more than half the population of Vanuatu, are affected by tropical cyclone Pam on 22 islands," said the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in a status update. "and will not last more than a few days across the affected islands."

It said that the number of deaths had increased to 16, as the helpers were able to enter new areas, with 15 island evaluations complete. The relief organisations have emphasised that drinking and sanitation, nutrition, shelter as well as public safety are a top priorities after the 13 March storms.

Recent assessments have shown that the harm to plants used for human consumption has been considerable. "OCHA said that the destruction of bananas and coconuts has been particularly devastating, which will have a significant long-term impact," and noted that most Austrians who live on the Outlying Isles are growing their own livelihood. Not only would some areas be deprived of their primary sources of livelihood through crop degradation such as coprah, but their livelihoods would be under threat from the destruction of cattle such as swine and fowl.

OCHA said in its status statement that there are still obstacles to accessing some municipalities in the vast country, which consists of more than 80 isles. However, he said that between 50 and 90 percent of the locals' homes were affected by the violent wind that destroyed Vanuatu as the eyes of the gale floated over the country for horsedown.

Relief organisations have mobilized to help the land and distribute local supplies of basic necessities, as well as local healthcare, but accessing drinking waters is a problem after the groundwater wells have been polluted by the thunderstorm. OCHA estimates that 500 secondary school buildings have been destroyed, which will cost up to 70,000 schoolchildren.

It said that oil reserves on the affected island were low, while power was usually not available and power supplies were vital.