The category five storm, with winds of up to 300km/h (185mph), veered off its expected course and struck populated areas when it reached Vanuatu early on Saturday local time (+11 GMT).
A state of emergency has been declared in the tiny state of 267,000 people, spread over 65 islands.
At least eight people are confirmed to have died, but the death toll is expected to rise sharply as rescuers reach outlying islands.
"This is likely to be one of the worst disasters ever seen in the Pacific.
Sending prayers and hope to everyone affected by this horrible disaster.
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