Cyclone Lusi leaves 3 dead, 6 missing in Pacific's Vanuatu; storm now heading for New Zealand

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Three people are dead and six more missing in Vanuatu after a cyclone hit the Pacific Island nation.

Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office Director Shadrack Welegtabit said Friday that authorities are flying over the affected northern islands to assess the extent of the damage. He said Cyclone Lusi struck Monday and lasted through Wednesday, much longer than a typical cyclone.

He says there are reports of widespread crop damage as well as flooding and mudslides. He said two elderly people died in separate incidents after being struck by trees and an infant also died after being swept away by floodwaters.

New Zealand is now bracing for Lusi, which is expected to make landfall in the northern part of the country late Friday.