Sixteen deaths have been confirmed from the worst cyclone to hit the island nation of Vanuatu, the United Nations said Saturday, as it warned that food and water reserves will not last more than a few weeks. A rapid assessment of 22 islands in the archipelago showed 166,000 people were affected by Tropical Cyclone Pam, dpa quoted the UN office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs as saying. It reported extensive damage to food crops. The devastation of coconut and banana plantations would have a significant long-term impact, the agency said. "Food is planned to be distributed to 162,000 people by 26 March," it said. Each household will receive a food package that will include 25 kilograms of rice, five cans of meat and 10 packets of noodles, with the rations are meant to last 15 days, the UN said. Food has already been distributed to 11,800 households, it said. The cluster of dozens of islands was hardest hit by the worst storm on record in the region one week ago. Winds in excess of 250 kilometers per hour and heavy rain that caused flooding destroyed much of the infrastructure in the capital Port Vila and elsewhere. The UN office said 3,995 people were being housed in 39 evacuation centers, while 65,000 were identified in need of temporary shelter.
