described Cyclone Pam as "a monster"
His voice breaking, Baldwin Lonsdale said Cyclone Pam had destroyed most buildings in the capital Port Vila, including schools and clinics.
A state of emergency has been declared in the tiny state of 267,000 people, spread over 65 islands.
At least eight people are reported to have been killed.
However, it is feared the toll will rise sharply as rescuers reach outlying islands in the impoverished country.
Thousands of people spent a second night in shelters.
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).
The authorities in Vanuatu are struggling to gauge the extent of the damage across the country because communications are down and fallen power lines and trees have blocked roads.
Meanwhile, the first deliveries of aid have arrived on air force planes from New Zealand and Australia.
The UK, France, UN and European Union have also promised help.
