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Cyclone Pam has "wiped out" development in Vanuatu, its president said, amid ongoing concern over residents of the Pacific nation's outlying islands, the BBC reported.

Aid has begun arriving in the storm-hit nation - one of the world's poorest - where trees and power lines have been felled and many buildings destroyed.

Aid agencies say it could be one of the worst disasters ever to hit the region.

The situation on some islands closer to the eye of the storm is not yet known as communication networks are down.

The BBC's Jon Donnison, who has just arrived in the capital, Port Vila, says just about every house has received some damage.

Aerial images of the capital show houses completely flattened, and aid workers have said there is an urgent need for fresh water supplies.

At least eight people are confirmed to have died but the death toll is expected to rise as rescuers reach more the remote islands.