Vanuatu declares state of emergency

A state of emergency has ben declared in the cyclone-battered island nation of Vanuatu.

The cyclone-battered island nation of Vanuatu has declared a state of emergency. (AAP)

The cyclone-battered island nation of Vanuatu has declared a state of emergency.

"The government has declared a state of emergency for the whole country," Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office spokesman Paulo Malatu told AFP.

"There are six certainties (deaths) in Port Vila and 20 casualties."