Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga - Tropical Cyclone HAROLD update

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 07:19:46 +02:00

After the passage of Tropical Cyclone HAROLD over Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga on 6-9 April, the number of fatalities has increased to 5.
In Vanuatu, media report, as of 15 April, 4 fatalities and several people in need of food and clean water. The most affected islands are Pentecost and Espiritu Santo.
In Fiji, one person died while 1,837 people have been sheltered in 66 evacuation centres. National Authorities are providing the distribution of food for those affected.
In Tonga, widespread damage to houses (429), water supply and food crops is reported across Tongatapu and 'Eua.
The Copernicus EMS was activated in rapid mapping mode (EMSR 434) on 6 April and 3 satellite maps, concerning the impact assessment of Vanuatu, were produced.
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM) has been activated and France has already sent assistance to Vanuatu.

Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji - Tropical Cyclone HAROLD update

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 07:33:55 +02:00

Tropical Cyclone HAROLD continued moving south-east over the Coral Sea and made landfall over southwest coast of Espiritu Santo Island (north Vanuatu) on 6 April around 0.00 UTC, with maximum sustained winds up to 215 km/h. On 6 April, in the morning (UTC), its centre was located inland over Espiritu Santo approximately 45 km west of Luganville (town of Vanuatu).
Media report, as of 6 April, 7 fatalities and 21 people are still missing across Salomon Islands, after an incident occurred to a passenger ferry in the Solomon Sea due to storm surge. In addition, media report, hundreds of people preventively evacuated across Espiritu Santo.
On the forecast track, HAROLD is forecast to continue moving south-east over southern Espiritu Santo, Malo and Pentecost Islands on 6 April in the morning (UTC). Then HAROLD is expected to continue moving south-east over the sea and to pass close to Kandavu Island (south Fiji) on 8 April in the morning.
Over the next 24 hours, heavy rain, strong winds and storm surge are forecast over Vanuatu, as well as over Fiji starting from 7 April.