Vanuatu: Cyclone Uma - Feb 1987

Cyclone Uma hit Vanuatu during the night of 7 to 8 February 1987. Eight hours of 100-knot winds left the capital Port Vila without water, electricity or communications services. The capital was declared a disaster area with heavy damage to buildings and housing. (UN DHA, 9 Feb 1987)

Relief and recovery activities have started in the capital. The government established evacuation centres for some 5,000 people who were made homeless. (UN DHA, 10 Feb 1987)

The confirmed death toll was 45 with major economic and infrastructural losses estimated at $US150 million. (UN DHA, 11 Feb 1987)