Vanuatu islanders adopt well-honed survival techniques in teeth of huge storm

A woman weaves a straw mat as another burns decomposed foliage in Tanna, days after Cyclone Pam hit the South Pacific island nation March 17, 2015. REUTERS/Edgar Su

PORT VILA/SYDNEY (Reuters) - Aid groups and survivors of one of the world's most powerful storms on record are hoping that early warnings, concrete-walled homes, cave refuges and a healthy respect for the sea have saved the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu from a huge death toll.

Officials say the toll, which stands at just 11, is certain to rise as news still dribbles in from isolated, outlying communities in the island chain. But traditional coping mechanisms may have helped prevent a much greater disaster.