BEIJING — China on March 16 pledged continuous disaster relief assistance to Vanuatu after a powerful tropical storm tore through the island on March 14.

“We will pay close attention to the situation and continue to support Vanuatu,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei at a regular press briefing.

He also extended sincere condolences to the people of Vanuatu.

The Red Cross Society of China has given humanitarian assistance of $100,000 to the South Pacific country, according to the spokesperson.

Vanuatu declared a state of emergency on March 15 after Cyclone Pam ripped through the island nation on March 14, killing at least eight people.