PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill sends condolences to Vanuatu.

PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has sent condolences to Vanuatu

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has expressed deep sympathy and extended condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in Vanuatu.

Whole villages were reported to have been blown away by Cyclone Pam with unconfirmed deaths being put at 44.

Eight deaths have been confirmed in Port Vila, home of about 40-thousand people.

The worst cyclone in 12 years has left devastation in the capital, with disaster officials saying 80 percent of the houses have been seriously damaged.

Government offices and and other infrastructure have been destroyed, along with part of the main Vila Central Hospital.

The Prime Minister says the current wet season has been particularly destructive for many communities in the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea.

He says " I extend condolences on behalf of the Government and our nation to the people of Vanuatu.

"While the full extent of the loss of life, injuries and damage is not clear at this point, we understand the cyclone has caused extensive destruction in Port Vila and several Vanuatu provinces," said Mr. O'Neill.

He further says its unclear if and Papua New Guineans were among those killed or injured and is awaiting an update from the Department of Foreign Affairs. He says the weather was very destructive and appears to be getting worse.

Meantime, Mr. O'Neill says the Pacific need to work together and increase their defences against natural disasters as a region.

He says this is an issue Leaders will need to discuss further when they meet later this year in Port Moresby.