Story highlights
- Tropical Cyclone Pam struck the island nation of Vanuatu
- Aid workers on the ground are reporting massive destruction
(CNN)Just as meteorologists feared, Tropical Cyclone Pam pummeled the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. It is the strongest storm to make landfall, since the devastating Super Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines in 2013.
The government declared a state of emergency, as the death toll continues to rise. Thousands are in critical need of shelter, food and water -- including many children. Aid workers on the ground are reporting massive destruction.
Vanuatu President Baldwin Lonsdale told CNN that the cyclone's destruction was the worst his country had ever experienced. He described the storm as a "monster."
Officials are reporting that 90% of the homes in the Vanuatu capital are damaged or destroyed. With communication still down between many of the islands, the full extent of this storm's devastation is still unknown.
If you would like to contribute to the efforts of those in place to help the victims of this storm, please check out the groups listed below. Though it may take days to realize Tropical Cyclone Pam's full toll on Vanuatu, these organizations are poised to help.
ADRA
AmeriCares
Australian Red Cross
CARE International
International Medical Corps
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Medical Santo
Oxfam Australia
Samaritan's Purse
Save the Children Australia
Save the Children USA
UNICEF New Zealand
UNICEF Australia
UNICEF International
World Food Programme
World Vision
AmeriCares
Australian Red Cross
CARE International
International Medical Corps
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Medical Santo
Oxfam Australia
Samaritan's Purse
Save the Children Australia
Save the Children USA
UNICEF New Zealand
UNICEF Australia
UNICEF International
World Food Programme
World Vision
Cyclone Pam devastates Vanuatu
Relief workers are starting to arrive on the South Pacific islands of Vanuatu to assess the damage done by Tropical Cyclone Pam. CNN's Ivan Watson reports.
Helping Vanuatu recover from Cyclone Pam
Tom Perry of Care International speaks to CNN about the state of Vanuatu.
Cyclone Pam tore her house apart with her inside
Jaylene tells of how her house was ripped apart by Cyclone Pam while 10 people were in inside it.
CNN reporter's grim assessment of Vanuatu
Ivan Watson is on the ground in cyclone-stricken Vanuatu, reporting that the destruction is widespread and the outside aid is sparse.
