Cyclone Pam facts for kids

Cyclone Pam was an incredibly powerful tropical cyclone that hit the Pacific Ocean in 2015. This massive storm caused huge damage, especially in the island nation of Vanuatu. It was one of the strongest storms ever recorded in that part of the world, only a little less intense than Cyclone Zoe in 2002. Pam sadly took many lives and destroyed a lot of property.

What Was Cyclone Pam?

Cyclone Pam started forming on March 6, 2015, to the east of the Solomon Islands. As it moved, it quickly grew stronger. It reached the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson Scale, which is called Category 5. This scale helps us understand how strong a hurricane or cyclone is based on its wind speed. A Category 5 storm has incredibly powerful winds.

When Pam hit land, it caused dangerous "storm surges." A storm surge is like a giant wall of ocean water pushed onto the land by the strong winds of the storm. These surges can flood coastal areas very quickly and cause a lot of destruction.

Where Did Cyclone Pam Go?

The path of Cyclone Pam took it very close to the islands of Vanuatu. The storm's eye, which is the calm center of a cyclone, passed directly over or very near many islands. This meant that these areas felt the full force of the storm's strongest winds and heaviest rains.

Even after passing Vanuatu, Cyclone Pam continued to move. It eventually weakened and changed into a different type of storm as it moved towards New Zealand.

The Impact of Cyclone Pam

The effects of Cyclone Pam were devastating for Vanuatu. Many homes, schools, and hospitals were damaged or completely destroyed. The strong winds ripped off roofs and knocked down trees. The storm surges flooded coastal towns, washing away buildings and boats.

People worked hard to help each other after the storm. Many countries and aid organizations sent help, including food, water, and medical supplies, to Vanuatu to assist those affected by the disaster. The recovery process took a long time, but the people of Vanuatu showed great strength in rebuilding their communities.

Images for kids

• 

  Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam strengthening off the island of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu on March 11

• 

  Pam hitting Vanuatu on 13 March 2015

• 

  Enlarged track of Cyclone Pam between 12 and 14 March depicting its path in relation to the islands of Vanuatu

• 

  Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam transitioning into an extratropical cyclone to the northeast of New Zealand on March 15

• 

  Yachts wrecked by the storm in a harbour near Port Vila, Vanuatu

• 

  Port Vila seafront on March 14

• 

  Remaining debris in Vanuatu three years after Cyclone Pam. Photo captured in 2018.

See also

In Spanish: Ciclón Pam para niños