Prime Minister Charlot Salwai told Radio New Zealand that Cyclone Lola cut communications with Penama province, which consists of three major islands, making it hard to know the extent of the devastation, reported German news agency dpa.

However, reports from the region say severe damage was done to buildings and agriculture in the province, which is home to about 30,000 people.

Lola had been classified as a Category 5 storm as it moved toward the archipelago yesterday but was later downgraded to Category 3 by this afternoon.

However, “destructive” wind speeds of 125kph and gusts of up to 185kph were still lashing the islands, the Vanuatu Meteorology & Geo-Hazard Department said.

Very rough seas and heavy swells are expected in all Vanuatu waters as Lola moves away, it added.

Air Vanuatu cancelled all flights and ships were recalled to ports.

The capital Port Vila on the island of Efate was also on red alert; government buildings, markets, and banks remained closed until further notice.

Vanuatu consists of about 80 islands and is located almost 1,800km east of Australia.

Between November and April, the island state is regularly affected by cyclones. However, Lola came unusually early; it is the first pre-season cyclone in the South Pacific since 1970, reported the Australian broadcaster ABC.