Tropical Cyclone Harold

Above: Structural damage caused by TC Harold in Pentecost, Vanuatu. Image: Samson Busai, CARE Vanuatu.

Above: Structural damage caused by TC Harold in Pentecost, Vanuatu. Image: Samson Busai, CARE Vanuatu.

Tropical Cyclone (TC) Harold caused widespread destruction in the Pacific island nations of Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Tonga in April 2020.

The cyclone first passed the Solomon Islands as a Category 1 storm, bringing strong winds and heavy rains which damaged homes, schools and gardens across four provinces. A group of 27 people were reported missing after being washed off a ferry travelling from Honiara to Malaita. 

Strengthening to a Category 5, TC Harold made landfall in Vanuatu on April 6. Strong and sustained winds of more than 200 km/hour caused widespread destruction across Maewo, Pentecost, Ambae and Santo islands. Sanma Province on Espiritu Santo Islands was the hardest hit, with 90 percent of the island’s population impacted. 

The cyclone then tracked toward Fiji, hitting Viti Levu and the islands to the east as a Category 4 cyclone on April 8. Widespread flooding followed and 575 houses were destroyed and 1,919 damaged. Damage to crops was estimated at approximately AUD 20 million.

The AHP Response

Above: Disaster READY Solomon Islands partner CAN DO supported the distribution of essential items following TC Harold. Image: CAN Do Solomon Islands.

Above: Disaster READY Solomon Islands partner CAN DO supported the distribution of essential items following TC Harold. Image: CAN Do Solomon Islands.

All AHP Australian NGO partners played a pivotal role in supporting the Australian Government’s humanitarian response to Tropical Cyclone Harold in Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tonga. In Vanuatu, Fiji and Solomon Islands, AHP response efforts were jointly delivered and coordinated through existing Disaster READY networks. In Tonga, the AHP response was delivered by CAN DO and CARE Australia with their local partners. 

In addition to supporting national governments to deliver emergency assistance and supplies to affected communities, the AHP response focused on WASH, livelihoods and food security support. The timing of TC Harold amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic resulted in humanitarian response efforts also incorporating health promotion and public health support to raise awareness of COVID-19 among affected communities.  You can read more about the AHP COVID-19 response here.

The AHP TC Harold response was implemented over 12 months, from May 2020 – May 2021. 

Response Highlights

A short video documentary on the use of Unblocked Cash in Vanuatu for the TC Harold and COVID-19 responses.

  • Disaster READY networks in Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands played a critical role in supporting national TC Harold response efforts

  • AHP partners distributed more than 1,847 hygiene and dignity kits, reaching 4,785 people. This ensured immediate access to essential hygiene items and COVID-19 information.

  • Damage and pollution of water systems increased the risk of secondary disease, further complicated by COVID-19 concerns. Partners rehabilitated five community water systems, supporting 1,281 people, including improved access for people with disabilities.

  • Partners reached more than 37,000 people with a range of relief items, including tarpaulins, shelter tool kits, and household and kitchen kits.

  • The first female-led response team was mobilised to support response efforts in South, East and West Malo.

  • The TC Harold response incorporated innovative cash and voucher assistance through Oxfam’s Unblocked Cash program. The lessons learned from the use of Unblocked Cash in Vanuatu will support future humanitarian responses in the Pacific.

Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, TongaAHPSUCompleted ActivationsComment