Cyclone Pam hits Vanuatu with over 300km-per-hour winds

Relief workers in the South Pacific say the archipelago of Vanuatu has been hit by winds of over 300km per hour.

The category Five Cyclone Pam had been expected to pass about 100km away, but changed direction and hit populated areas.

The United Nations relief agency said there were unconfirmed reports of several deaths. Vanuatu had earlier issued a red alert to its residents, urging them to take shelter.

Kristina Zarich reports.