By Peter OBIORA InvestAdvocate

Lagos (INVESTADVOCATE)- Christine Lagarde, managing director (MD) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Sunday condoled the victims of the cyclone Pam in Vanuatu, saying the global lender is ready to visit for impact assessment.

“I would like to express my deepest sympathies for the people of Vanuatu, who suffered devastating losses as a result of the cyclone that hit their country. We are prepared to assist Vanuatu with quick, unbureaucratic steps in dealing with the immediate aftermath of the catastrophe and rebuilding the economy over the coming months.

“An IMF team stands ready to visit Vanuatu at short notice to help the government assess the macroeconomic situation and determine any financing needs. We are also coordinating closely with the World Bank, ADB, and other agencies to assess the impact of the natural disaster on the country and determine how best we can help,” Lagarde was quoted as saying in a statement.

Reports have it that Pam, a category five (5) storm, has left most of Vanuatu’s population homeless.

The Atlantic reported that torrential rains and winds up to 185 miles per hour hit the pacific island nation on Saturday downing power lines and flattening buildings throughout the country.

According to the report, the official death toll of the storm, called cyclone Pam, is eight (8), but the final figure is likely to be considerably higher. It added that rescuers have been unable to communicate with residents living in the archipelago’s outlying islands.

The report further affirmed that Baldwin Lonsdale, Vanuatu’s President said that cyclone Pam destroyed schools and hospitals and rendered thousands homeless. “I stand to appeal on behalf of the government and the people to give a helping hand in this disaster,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion.