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{{short description|Tropical cyclone in Melanesia}} {{short description|Category 5 South Pacific cyclone in 2020}}
{{for|other cyclones named Harold|List of cyclones named Harold}} {{for|other cyclones named Harold or Herold|List of cyclones named Harold}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2020}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{current weather event|tropical cyclone|date=April 2020}} {{Infobox weather event
| name = Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold
{{Infobox Hurricane
| image = Harold 2020-04-06 1125Z.jpg
|Name=Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold
| caption = Cyclone Harold at peak intensity shortly after crossing ] in ] on April 6
|Type=Cyclone
| alt = Infrared satellite image of Harold featuring a clear eye and a large rainband to its south
|Year=2020
| formed = {{start date|April 1, 2020}}
|Basin=AUS
| dissipated = {{end date|April 11, 2020}}
|Image location=Harold 2020-04-06 1125Z.jpg
| extratropical = April 10, 2020
|Image name=Cyclone Harold at peak intensity shortly after crossing over ] in ]
|Image alt=Infrared satellite image of Harold featuring a clear eye and a large rainband to its south
|Formed={{start date|April 1, 2020}}
|Dissipated=Currently active
|1-min winds=145
|10-min winds=120
|Pressure=924<!-- Do not use JTWC pressure -->
|Damages=Significant
|Fatalities=≥27 total
|Areas=], ], ], ]
|Hurricane season=] and the ] cyclone seasons.
}} }}
{{Infobox weather event/FMS
'''Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold''' is a currently active and weakening ] which recently impacted the ], ], ], and ]. Harold is the first Category 5 severe tropical cyclone to occur in the South Pacific basin since ] in 2018 and is also the second-strongest tropical cyclone to ever affect ], behind ] in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vanuatu Reeling from Category 5 Harold, Now Steaming Toward Fiji |url=https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/vanuatu-reeling-from-category-5-harold-now-steaming-toward-fiji |accessdate=April 6, 2020 |publisher=Weather Underground |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> The seventh named storm of the ], and the eighth named storm, and fourth severe tropical cyclone of the ], Harold is the most intense tropical cyclone thus far ].
| winds = 125
| gusts = 175
| pressure = 920
}}
{{Infobox weather event/JTWC
| winds = 145
| pressure = 909
}}
{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 2020
| damages = 123500000
| fatalities = 31
| missing = 22
| affected = ], ], ], ]
| refs = <ref name="solomon missing">{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone Harold Scraping Parts of Tonga After Hammering Fiji and Vanuatu|url=https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2020-04-04-tropical-cyclone-harold-forecast-south-pacific-vanuatu-fiji|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=March 10, 2021|archive-date=February 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228114046/https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2020-04-04-tropical-cyclone-harold-forecast-south-pacific-vanuatu-fiji|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="fiji missing">{{cite web|title=Reports of Injuries, Damaged Buildings from Cyclone Harold in Fiji|url=https://weather.com/news/news/2020-04-06-cyclone-harold-impacts-vanuatu|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=March 10, 2021}}</ref>
}}
{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = ]
}}
'''Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold''' was a very powerful ] which caused widespread destruction in the ], ], ], and ] during April 2020. It was the first ] tropical cyclone in 2020. The seventh named storm of the ], eighth named storm, and fourth severe tropical cyclone of the ], Harold was first noted as a developing tropical low within a trough of low pressure during April 1, while it was located to the east of ]. Over the next day, the system moved south-eastwards over the ], before it was classified as a tropical cyclone and named Harold by the Australian ]. The system moved into the ] area of responsibility on April&nbsp;2 and began to explosively intensify by April&nbsp;3, reaching Category 4 status by April&nbsp;4 on both scales. The next day, it further strengthened into a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone, the highest rating on the Australian scale. It made landfall on ] on April&nbsp;6 and the next day, strengthening to its peak intensity, attaining Category 5-equivalent intensity on the ] before making landfall on ]. Moving east, it weakened below Category 5 intensity on both scales over subsequent days. It regained Category 5 severe tropical cyclone status (on the Australian scale only) while passing south of Fiji, before weakening and becoming extratropical on April&nbsp;9.

Harold was the first Category 5 severe tropical cyclone to occur in the South Pacific basin since ] in 2018 and was also the second-strongest tropical cyclone to ever affect ], behind ] in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vanuatu Reeling from Category 5 Harold, Now Steaming Toward Fiji |url=https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/vanuatu-reeling-from-category-5-harold-now-steaming-toward-fiji |access-date=April 6, 2020 |publisher=Weather Underground |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> In total, 27 people died on the ''MV Taimareho'' (in the Solomon Islands), two died in Vanuatu, and one died in Fiji.


__TOC__
On April&nbsp;1,&nbsp;2020, a tropical low formed centered between the ] and the eastern coast of ]. The tropical low organised rapidly as it tracked towards the east-southeast over the ], developing tightly curved ] banding. The Australian ] (BOM) later upgraded the tropical low into a Category 1 tropical cyclone and named it Harold. The system moved into the ] area of responsibility on April&nbsp;2 and began to explosively intensify by April&nbsp;3, reaching Category 4 status by April&nbsp;4 on both scales. The next day, it further strengthened into a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone, the highest rating on the Australian scale. It made landfall on ] on April&nbsp;6. Shortly afterwards, the ] (JTWC) upgraded it to a Category 5-equivalent cyclone on the ]. It maintained this status for only six hours before being downgraded back to Category 4.


==Meteorological history== ==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Harold 2020 track.png}} {{storm path|Harold 2020 track.png}}
On April&nbsp;1, the Australian ] (BOM) reported that Tropical Low 12U had developed along a ] of ] to the east of ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml|title=Tropical Cyclone Harold Forecast Track Map #1|date=April 2, 2020|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|url-status=dead|archiveurl=http://archive.is/YonNi|archive-date=April 2, 2020|accessdate=April 2, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans March 31, 2020 00z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 1, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406170846/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Analysis/Miscellaneous/20200401/060000/A_ABPW10PGTW010600_C_RJTD_20200401061417_1.txt|archivedate=April 6, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> The disturbance initially displayed a broad low-level circulation and scattered ], but it was located within a favourable environment for further development, with developing dual-channel ], low vertical ] and warm ] of {{convert|30|C|F|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite report|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans April 1, 2020 06z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=March 31, 2020}}</ref> Thunderstorm activity began to coalesce about the centre later that day, and a nearby ] directed the system southeast toward the ].<ref name="Tech Bull 1">{{cite report|date=April 2, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone Harold Technical Bulletin April 2, 2020 06z|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt|url-status=dead|archivedate=April 2, 2020|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406163423/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/ABRF/Alphanumeric/Analysis/Miscellaneous/20200402/072800/A_AXAU21ABRF020728_C_RJTD_20200402073031_22.txt|accessdate=April 6, 2020}}</ref> Given the increase in organization, the BOM upgraded the storm to a Category&nbsp;1 tropical cyclone on the ] and named it Harold.<ref name="Tech Bull 1"/> The newly named system passed about {{convert|135|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the southeast of ] in the Solomon Islands.<ref name="Tech Bull 3">{{cite report|date=April 2, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone Harold Technical Bulletin April 2, 2020 18:00z|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt|url-status=dead|archivedate=April 2, 2020|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406165446/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/ABRF/Alphanumeric/Analysis/Miscellaneous/20200402/191100/A_AXAU21ABRF021911_C_RJTD_20200402191331_21.txt|accessdate=April 6, 2020}}</ref> The United States ] (JTWC) also initiated advisories on Tropical Cyclone Harold during that day and designated it as Tropical Cyclone 25P.<ref>{{cite report|date=April 2, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 1 April 2, 2020 21z|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt|url-status=dead|archivedate=April 6, 2020|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406172631/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200402/210000/A_WTPS31PGTW022100_C_RJTD_20200402213817_60.txt|accessdate=April 6, 2020}}</ref> The system subsequently crossed 160°E, moving out of the ] and into the ], shifting the primary warning responsibility to the ] (FMS).<ref name="Tech Bull 4">{{cite report|date=April 3, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone Harold Technical Bulletin April 3, 2020 00z|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt|url-status=dead|archivedate=April 6, 2020|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406173646/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/ABRF/Alphanumeric/Analysis/Miscellaneous/20200403/014500/A_AXAU21ABRF030145_C_RJTD_20200403014631_17.txt|accessdate=April 6, 2020}}</ref> On April 1, the Australian ] (BOM) reported that Tropical Low 12U had developed along a ] of ] about {{convert|825|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the northeast of ] in ].{{BoM TC Database}}<ref name="STWA Apr 1">{{cite report|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans April 1, 2020 06z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 1, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406170846/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Analysis/Miscellaneous/20200401/060000/A_ABPW10PGTW010600_C_RJTD_20200401061417_1.txt|archive-date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> The disturbance initially displayed a broad low-level circulation and scattered ], but it was located within a favourable environment for further development, with developing dual-channel ], low vertical ], and warm ] of {{convert|30|C|F|abbr=on}}.<ref name="STWA Apr 1" /> Thunderstorm activity began to coalesce about the centre later that day, and a nearby ] directed the system southeast toward the ].<ref name="Tech Bull 1">{{cite report|date=April 2, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone Harold Technical Bulletin April 2, 2020 06z|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 6, 2020|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406163423/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/ABRF/Alphanumeric/Analysis/Miscellaneous/20200402/072800/A_AXAU21ABRF020728_C_RJTD_20200402073031_22.txt|access-date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> Given the increase in organization, the BOM upgraded the storm to a Category&nbsp;1 tropical cyclone on the ] and named it Harold, before it passed about {{convert|135|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the southeast of ] in the Solomon Islands.<ref name="Tech Bull 1" /><ref name="Tech Bull 3">{{cite report|date=April 2, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone Harold Technical Bulletin April 2, 2020 18:00z|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 6, 2020|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406165446/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/ABRF/Alphanumeric/Analysis/Miscellaneous/20200402/191100/A_AXAU21ABRF021911_C_RJTD_20200402191331_21.txt|access-date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> The United States ] (JTWC) also initiated advisories on Tropical Cyclone Harold during that day and designated it as Tropical Cyclone 25P.<ref>{{cite report|date=April 2, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 1 April 2, 2020 21z|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 6, 2020|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406172631/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200402/210000/A_WTPS31PGTW022100_C_RJTD_20200402213817_60.txt|access-date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> The system subsequently crossed 160°E, where it moved out of the ] and into the ], which prompted the BoM to pass the primary warning responsibility to the ] (FMS).<ref name="Tech Bull 4">{{cite report|date=April 3, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone Harold Technical Bulletin April 3, 2020 00z|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 6, 2020|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406173646/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/ABRF/Alphanumeric/Analysis/Miscellaneous/20200403/014500/A_AXAU21ABRF030145_C_RJTD_20200403014631_17.txt|access-date=April 6, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|date=April 3, 2020|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory A1 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 3, 2020 06z|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 10, 2020|access-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410150520/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200403/060000/A_WTPS11NFFN030600_C_RJTD_20200403080031_1.txt|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service}}</ref>


As the storm pulled away from the Solomon Islands on April&nbsp;3, it began to rapidly organize and developed a pinhole ] in ] imagery.<ref>{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 4 April 3, 2020 15z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 3, 2020|url=https://www.gdacs.org/gts.aspx?eventid=1000663&eventtype=TC|accessdate=April 6, 2020}}</ref> As a result, it was classified as a Category&nbsp;3 severe tropical cyclone by the FMS at 00:00&nbsp;UTC on April&nbsp;4.<ref>{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory A4 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 4, 2020 00z|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|date=April 4, 2020}}</ref><ref name="JTWC 6">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 6 April 4, 2020 03z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=April 4, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406195343/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200404/030000/A_WTPS31PGTW040300_C_RJTD_20200404024331_1.txt|archivedate=April 6, 2020|accessdate=April 6, 2020}}</ref> At this time, Harold was located about {{convert|360|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the northwest of ] in Vanuatu, and its southeast movement had slowed significantly as a result of an extension of a ] to the storm's east.<ref name="JTWC 6"/> Later that day, the FMS reported that Harold had become a Category&nbsp;4 severe tropical cyclone, even as the system's pinhole eye became subsumed into a large mass of atmospheric convection.<ref name="JTWC 7">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 7 April 4, 2020 09z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 4, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406212033/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200404/090000/A_WTPS31PGTW040900_C_RJTD_20200404085518_76.txt|archivedate=April 6, 2020|accessdate=April 6, 2020}}</ref><ref name="JTWC 8">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 8 April 4, 2020 15z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 4, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|archivedate=April 6, 2020|accessdate=April 6, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406211935/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200404/150000/A_WTPS31PGTW041500_C_RJTD_20200404134117_83.txt}}</ref> The JTWC, meanwhile, assessed that Harold peaked with 1-minute sustained wind speeds of 215&nbsp;km/h (130&nbsp;mph), equivalent to a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane on the ].<ref name="JTWC 8"/><ref name="JTWC RBT">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Running Best Track Analysis|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url=https://www.nrlmry.navy.mil//tcdat/tc2020/SH/SH252020/txt/trackfile.txt|date=April 2020}}</ref> At the same time, the FMS expected Harold to intensify further and become a ] on the Australian scale.<ref>{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory A6 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 4, 2020 12z|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|date=April 4, 2020}}</ref> On April&nbsp;5, the JTWC reported that the system had begun to weaken, based on the ragged structure of the eye and warming of the cyclone's cloud tops.<ref name="JTWC RBT"/><ref>{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 10 April 5, 2020 03z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 5, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|archivedate=April 6, 2020|accessdate=April 6, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406211935/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200404/150000/A_WTPS31PGTW041500_C_RJTD_20200404134117_83.txt}}</ref> However, this weakening phase was short-lived as the system regained a {{convert|30|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} eye and a symmetric ], while upper-level outflow remained strong.<ref name="JTWC RBT"/><ref>{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 11 April 5, 2020 09z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 5, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|archivedate=April 6, 2020|accessdate=April 6, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406231546/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200405/090000/A_WTPS31PGTW050900_C_RJTD_20200405092117_1.txt}}</ref><ref name="JTWC 13">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 13 April 5, 2020 21z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 5, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|archivedate=April 7, 2020|accessdate=April 7, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407220001/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200405/210000/A_WTPS31PGTW052100_C_RJTD_20200405204430_1.txt}}</ref> The FMS subsequently reported that Harold had become a Category&nbsp;5 severe tropical cyclone with 10-minute sustained winds of 205&nbsp;km/h (125&nbsp;mph).<ref name="A10">{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory A10 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 5, 2020 18z|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> At this time, the system was located about {{convert|170|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the west of Luganville and began to move polewards as a subtropical ridge to its northeast became the primary steering mechanism.<ref name="JTWC 13"/><ref name="A10"/><ref name="JTWC 14">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 14 April 6, 2020 03z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 6, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|archivedate=April 7, 2020|accessdate=April 7, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408000629/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200406/030000/A_WTPS31PGTW060300_C_RJTD_20200406020217_15.txt}}</ref> As the storm moved away from the Solomon Islands on April 3, it began to rapidly organize and developed a pinhole ] on ] imagery.<ref>{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 4 April 3, 2020 15z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 3, 2020|url-status=dead|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410152944/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200403/150000/A_WTPS31PGTW031500_C_RJTD_20200403144017_35.txt|archive-date=April 10, 2020|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref><ref name="JTWC 6">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 6 April 4, 2020 03z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=April 4, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406195343/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200404/030000/A_WTPS31PGTW040300_C_RJTD_20200404024331_1.txt|archive-date=April 6, 2020|access-date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> As a result, it was classified as a Category&nbsp;3 severe tropical cyclone by the FMS at 00:00&nbsp;UTC on April 4.<ref>{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory A4 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 4, 2020 00z|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 10, 2020|access-date=April 10, 2020|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410155953/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200404/000000/A_WTPS11NFFN040000_C_RJTD_20200404020116_44.txt|date=April 4, 2020}}</ref> At this time, Harold was located about {{convert|360|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the northwest of ] in Vanuatu, and its southeast movement had slowed significantly as a result of an extension of a ] to the storm's east.<ref name="JTWC 6" /> Later that day, the FMS reported that Harold had become a Category&nbsp;4 severe tropical cyclone and predicted it to further intensify to Category&nbsp;5 status, while the system's eye became subsumed into a large mass of atmospheric convection.<ref>{{cite report|date=April 3, 2020|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory A6 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 4, 2020 12z|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 10, 2020|access-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410165718/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200404/120000/A_WTPS11NFFN041200_C_RJTD_20200404140217_41.txt|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service}}</ref><ref name="JTWC 8">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 8 April 4, 2020 15z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 4, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|archive-date=April 6, 2020|access-date=April 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406211935/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200404/150000/A_WTPS31PGTW041500_C_RJTD_20200404134117_83.txt}}</ref> The JTWC, meanwhile, assessed that Harold had peaked with 1-minute sustained wind speeds of {{convert|215|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, which made it equivalent to a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane on the ] (SSHWS).<ref name="JTWC 8" /><ref name="JTWC RBT">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Running Best Track Analysis|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url=https://www.nrlmry.navy.mil//tcdat/tc2020/SH/SH252020/txt/trackfile.txt|date=April 2020}}</ref> During April 5, the JTWC reported that the system had begun to weaken, based on the ragged structure of the eye and warming of the cyclone's cloud tops.<ref name="JTWC RBT" /><ref>{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 10 April 5, 2020 03z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 5, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|archive-date=April 6, 2020|access-date=April 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406211935/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200404/150000/A_WTPS31PGTW041500_C_RJTD_20200404134117_83.txt}}</ref> However, this weakening phase was short-lived as the system regained a {{convert|30|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} eye and a symmetric ], while upper-level outflow remained strong.<ref name="JTWC RBT" /><ref>{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 11 April 5, 2020 09z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 5, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|archive-date=April 6, 2020|access-date=April 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406231546/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200405/090000/A_WTPS31PGTW050900_C_RJTD_20200405092117_1.txt}}</ref><ref name="JTWC 13">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 13 April 5, 2020 21z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 5, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|archive-date=April 7, 2020|access-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407220001/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200405/210000/A_WTPS31PGTW052100_C_RJTD_20200405204430_1.txt}}</ref> The FMS subsequently reported that Harold had become a ] with 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|205|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name="A10">{{cite report|date=April 5, 2020|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory A10 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 5, 2020 12z|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 12, 2020|access-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412140930/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200405/120000/A_WTPS11NFFN051200_C_RJTD_20200405140117_30.txt|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service}}</ref> At this time, the system was located about {{convert|170|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the west of Luganville and began to move polewards as a subtropical ridge to its northeast became the primary steering mechanism.<ref name="JTWC 13" /><ref name="A10" /><ref name="JTWC 14">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 14 April 6, 2020 03z|archive-date=April 8, 2020|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 6, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|access-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408000629/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200406/030000/A_WTPS31PGTW060300_C_RJTD_20200406020217_15.txt}}</ref>


]
Around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on April&nbsp;6, Harold made ] on the island of ] in northern Vanuatu, with 10-minute sustained winds of 215&nbsp;km/h (130&nbsp;mph).<ref name="A12">{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory A12 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 6, 2020 00z|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> The FMS reported six hours later that Harold had peaked in intensity with 10-minute sustained winds of 220&nbsp;km/h (140&nbsp;mph) while it was located between the islands of Espiritu Santo and ].<ref name="A13">{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory A13 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 6, 2020 06z|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> After making another landfall on Pentecost, the system progressed toward Fiji. It quickly gained strength, and the JTWC assessed 1-minute sustained wind speeds of 270&nbsp;km/h (165&nbsp;mph), equivalent to a Category&nbsp;5 hurricane on the SSHWS.<ref name="JTWC RBT"/><ref name="A14">{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory A14 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 6, 2020 12z|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref><ref name="JM">{{cite blog|author=Masters, Jeff|title=First Category 5 Tropical Cyclone of 2020, Harold, Pounds Vanuatu|publisher=Scientific American|date=April 6, 2020|url=https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/eye-of-the-storm/first-category-5-tropical-cyclone-of-2020-harold-pounds-vanuatu/}}</ref> Drier mid-level air soon began to affect Harold; concurrently, the system began an ].<!-- JTWC Ad 17 --><!-- https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/harold-thrashes-fijis-kadavu-island --> Accordingly, the FMS reported that Harold had weakened into a Category&nbsp;4 severe tropical cyclone during April&nbsp;7. However, its eye began to reform during that day as it came into view of the FMS radar in Nadi. <!-- The syst
At around 22:00&nbsp;UTC on April 5 (10:00&nbsp;FST, April 6), Harold made ] on the island of ] in northern Vanuatu, with 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|215|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name="PR 57">{{cite press release|title=Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold currently affecting Vanuatu. Thereafter, it is expected to move southeastwards and pass "just" to the west of Fiji by mid-week|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/Media%20Releases/MR%2057.pdf|url-status=live|archive-date=April 21, 2020|access-date=April 21, 2020|date=April 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421182011/https://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/Media%20Releases/MR%2057.pdf|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service}}</ref><ref name="A12">{{cite report|date=April 5, 2020|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory A12 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 6, 2020 00z|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 12, 2020|access-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412140453/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200406/000000/A_WTPS11NFFN060000_C_RJTD_20200406015845_3.txt|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service}}</ref> Harold quickly strengthened upon reemerging over water; early the following day, the FMS reported that Harold had peaked in intensity with 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|230|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, while it was located between the islands of Espiritu Santo and ],<ref name="BoM TC Database"/> while the JTWC estimated that its 1-minute sustained winds reached {{convert|270|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, which made it equivalent to a Category&nbsp;5 hurricane on the SSHWS. The system subsequently made landfall on Pentecost, before reemerging into the South Pacific Ocean and weakening.<ref name="A14">{{cite report|date=April 6, 2020|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory A14 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 6, 2020 12z|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 12, 2020|access-date=April 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412140207/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200406/120000/A_WTPS11NFFN061200_C_RJTD_20200406134319_66.txt|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service}}</ref> The landfall weakened Harold and the storm began to show signs of weakening: its eye became cloud-filled, cloud tops warmed, convection reduced in extent, and dry air started to wrap into the system.<ref name="A16">{{cite report|date=April 7, 2020|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory A16 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 7, 2020 00z|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410222758/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200407/000000/A_WTPS11NFFN070000_C_RJTD_20200407014416_69.txt|access-date=April 10, 2020|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service}}</ref><ref name="JTWC 17">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 17 April 6, 2020 21z|archive-date=April 10, 2020|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 6, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|access-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410205106/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200406/210000/A_WTPS31PGTW062100_C_RJTD_20200406202218_72.txt}}</ref> As a result, the FMS reported that the system had weakened into a Category&nbsp;4 severe tropical cyclone during April 7, before Harold's eye and eyewall became visible on their radar in Nadi.<ref name="A16"/><ref name="JTWC 21">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 21 April 7, 2020 21z|archive-date=April 12, 2020|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 7, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|access-date=April 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412132752/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200407/210000/A_WTPS31PGTW072100_C_RJTD_20200407203218_94.txt}}</ref> The system subsequently passed within {{convert|115|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} of ] in Fiji, before it passed near or over the ] of islands.<ref name="JTWC RBT"/> During April 8, the system intensified slightly before the FMS reported that Harold had become a category 5 severe tropical cyclone again, while it was located about {{convert|300|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the north-east of ] on the ]n island of ].<ref name="JTWC 22">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 22 April 8, 2020 03z|archive-date=April 12, 2020|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 8, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|access-date=April 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412141944/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200408/030000/A_WTPS31PGTW080300_C_RJTD_20200408023116_1.txt}}</ref><ref name="A22">{{cite report|date=April 8, 2020|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory A22 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 8, 2020 12z|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 12, 2020|access-date=April 12, 2020|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412134932/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200408/120000/A_WTPS11NFFN081200_C_RJTD_20200408133117_76.txt}}</ref> As the system continued to move south-eastwards, it passed about {{convert|115|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the south of Nuku'alofa, as it started to
Soon afterwards, the FMS upgraded Harold to a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone for the second time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=warn1#20008.txt|title=Hurricane Warning 026 for Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold|last=|first=|date=April 8, 2020|website=Fiji Meteorological Service|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=April 8, 2019|access-date=April 8, 2019}}</ref>
weaken and transition into an extratropical cyclone.<ref name="JTWC RBT"/><ref name="JTWC 26">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 26 April 9, 2020 03z|archive-date=April 12, 2020|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 9, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|access-date=April 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412203542/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200409/030000/A_WTPS31PGTW090300_C_RJTD_20200409024917_63.txt}}</ref> During the following day, Harold weakened into a Category&nbsp;3 severe tropical cyclone as it moved into New Zealand's MetService area of responsibility, while strong vertical wind shear caused atmospheric convection to become displaced to the south of its eye.<ref name="MS 1">{{cite report|date=April 9, 2020|title=Hurricane Warning 121 April 9, 2020 12z|publisher=New Zealand MetService}}</ref><ref name="JTWC 28">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 28 April 9, 2020 15z|archive-date=April 12, 2020|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=April 9, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh2520web.txt|access-date=April 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412200205/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20200409/150000/A_WTPS31PGTW091500_C_RJTD_20200409142118_35.txt}}</ref> The JTWC subsequently issued its final advisory on Harold, as it was expected to gain ] and complete its extratropical transition within 12&nbsp;hours.<ref name="JTWC 28"/> MetService subsequently declared Harold to be an extratropical cyclone during April 10, before the system was last noted during the following day around {{convert|1500|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the southwest of ] in the ].<ref name="JTWC RBT"/><ref>{{cite report|date=April 10, 2020|title=Storm Warning 135 April 10, 2020 06z|url=https://www.metservice.com/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 12, 2020|access-date=April 12, 2020|publisher=New Zealand MetService|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412202815/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NZKL/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20200410/070500/A_WWNZ40NZKL100705_C_RJTD_20200410071046_94.txt}}</ref>
-->


==Preparations and impact== ==Preparations and impact==
===Solomon Islands=== ===Solomon Islands===
Harold's approach triggered bulletins for the ] from the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services on April&nbsp;2. The agency advised residents in storm-prone regions, such as those near rivers and the coasts, to evacuate to higher ground.<ref name="SIWarning1">{{cite news |title=Cyclone Warning No. 1 Tropical Cyclone Harold |url=http://www.sibconline.com.sb/cyclone-warning-no-1-tropical-cyclone-harold/ |accessdate=April 2, 2020 |publisher=SIBC |date=April 2, 2020}}</ref> The agency also noted the possibility for landslides and rough seas.<ref name="DozensMissingFerryDefies" /> A cyclone warning was placed in effect for all of the islands on April&nbsp;3.<ref name="BattersSolomon">{{cite news |title=TC Harold batters Solomon Islands as it heads to Vanuatu |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413421/tc-harold-batters-solomon-islands-as-it-heads-to-vanuatu |accessdate=April 3, 2020 |work=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref> The Royal Solomon Island Police Force recommended elevated caution for commuters and mariners.<ref name="RSIPFAdvises">{{cite news |title=RSIPF advises public to take care as TC Harold affects SI |url=https://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/23212-rsipf-advises-public-to-take-care-as-tc-harold-affects-si |accessdate=April 3, 2020 |work=Solomon Star |publisher=Solomon Star News |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref> After Harold developed into a tropical cyclone during April 2, the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service issued a tropical cyclone warning for the whole of the island nation.<ref name="SIMS 1">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone Warning Number 1 April 2, 2020 09:10 PM|url=https://www.facebook.com/sindmondc/posts/2820130398216229|access-date=April 16, 2020 |publisher=Solomon Islands Meteorological Service|date=April 2, 2020}}</ref> They warned that the system was expected to produce gale-force winds, rough seas, moderate to heavy swells of {{convert|2-4|m|ft}} and ] over the islands.<ref name="SIMS 1"/> As a result, the SIMS urged sea travellers to consider taking actions to ensure their safety and advised motorists to use extreme caution when travelling.<ref name="SIMS 1"/> The Royal Solomon Island Police Force recommended elevated caution for commuters and mariners.<ref name="RSIPFAdvises">{{cite news |title=RSIPF advises public to take care as TC Harold affects SI |url=https://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/23212-rsipf-advises-public-to-take-care-as-tc-harold-affects-si |access-date=April 3, 2020 |work=Solomon Star |publisher=Solomon Star News |date=April 3, 2020 |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407212731/https://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/23212-rsipf-advises-public-to-take-care-as-tc-harold-affects-si |url-status=dead }}</ref>


An estimated 100–150&nbsp;thousand people in the Solomon Islands experienced Harold's wind, rain, and storm surge. The National Emergency Operations Center indicated that 57&nbsp;houses were destroyed and another 20 were damaged. Seven classrooms were also destroyed.<ref name="DamagesHaroldStillConfirmed">{{cite news |last1=Kekea |first1=Georgina |title=Damages Caused by TC Harold Still To Be Confirmed |url=https://www.solomontimes.com/news/damages-caused-by-tc-harold-still-to-be-confirmed/9709 |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=Solomon Times |publisher=Solomon Times Online |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Falling trees and branches in ] resulted in widespread power outages. The National Referral Hospital in Honiara was among the buildings affected by blackouts.<ref name="SolomonBracing">{{cite news |last1=Keka |first1=Georgina |title=Solomon Islands is Bracing Itself for Tropical Cyclone Harold |url=https://www.solomontimes.com/news/solomon-islands-is-bracing-itself-for-tropical-cyclone-harold/9692 |accessdate=April 2, 2020 |work=Solomon Times |publisher=Solomon Times Online |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref> Some fallen trees damaged buildings and blocked roads.<ref name="AustraliaDonates" /><ref name="TCHaroldBattersSI">{{cite news |title=TC Harold batters Solomon Islands as it heads to Vanuatu |url=http://www.looppng.com/global-news/tc-harold-batters-solomon-islands-it-heads-vanuatu-91209 |accessdate=April 3, 2020 |work=Loop Pacific |publisher=Trend Media Inc. |date=April 4, 2020}}</ref> The San Isidoro school for the deaf outside Honiara was severely damaged, losing its roof.<ref name="HaroldHitsPacific">{{cite web |title=Cyclone Harold hits Pacific islands amid COVID-19 preparations |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/cyclone-harold-hits-pacific-islands-amid-covid-19-preparations|via=ReliefWeb |publisher=Caritas Australia |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Heavy rainfall flooded the Kukum Highway in Honiara.<ref name="AustraliaDonates" /> A stream swollen from the rains washed out a {{cvt|3|m|ft|adj=on}} segment of a bridge connecting parts of northwestern ] to Honiara.<ref name="BridgeWashedAway">{{cite news |last1=Nolan |first1=Jimmy |title=Bridge Washed Away by Torrential Rain |url=https://www.solomontimes.com/news/bridge-washed-away-by-torrential-rain/9694 |accessdate=April 3, 2020 |work=Solomon Times |publisher=Solomon Times Online |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref> Dozens of families were forced out of their homes on Guadalcanal.<ref name="SolomonsStrained">{{cite news |title=Solomons strained by cyclone in midst of Covid-19 emergency |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413413/solomons-strained-by-cyclone-in-midst-of-covid-19-emergency |accessdate=April 3, 2020 |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref> Flooding and fallen trees inflicted damage to buildings in ] as well.<ref name="OxfamVanuatu24Hr">{{cite web |title=Category 5 cyclone Harold to hit Vanuatu in the next 24 hours |url=https://www.oxfam.org.nz/news-media/media-releases/cycloneharold/ |website=Oxfam New Zealand |publisher=Oxfam New Zealand |accessdate=April 5, 2020 |date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> An estimated 100,000 to 150,000 people in the Solomon Islands experienced Harold's wind, rain, and storm surge. The National Emergency Operations Center indicated that 57&nbsp;houses were destroyed and another 20 were damaged. Seven classrooms were also destroyed.<ref name="DamagesHaroldStillConfirmed">{{cite news |last1=Kekea |first1=Georgina |title=Damages Caused by TC Harold Still To Be Confirmed |url=https://www.solomontimes.com/news/damages-caused-by-tc-harold-still-to-be-confirmed/9709 |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=Solomon Times |publisher=Solomon Times Online |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Falling trees and branches in ] resulted in widespread power outages. The National Referral Hospital in Honiara was among the buildings affected by blackouts.<ref name="SolomonBracing">{{cite news |last1=Keka |first1=Georgina |title=Solomon Islands is Bracing Itself for Tropical Cyclone Harold |url=https://www.solomontimes.com/news/solomon-islands-is-bracing-itself-for-tropical-cyclone-harold/9692 |access-date=April 2, 2020 |work=Solomon Times |publisher=Solomon Times Online |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref> Some fallen trees damaged buildings and blocked roads.<ref name="AustraliaDonates" /><ref name="TCHaroldBattersSI">{{cite news |title=TC Harold batters Solomon Islands as it heads to Vanuatu |url=http://www.looppng.com/global-news/tc-harold-batters-solomon-islands-it-heads-vanuatu-91209 |access-date=April 3, 2020 |work=Loop Pacific |publisher=Trend Media Inc. |date=April 4, 2020}}</ref> The San Isidoro school for the deaf outside Honiara was severely damaged, losing its roof.<ref name="HaroldHitsPacific">{{cite web |title=Cyclone Harold hits Pacific islands amid COVID-19 preparations |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/cyclone-harold-hits-pacific-islands-amid-covid-19-preparations|via=ReliefWeb |publisher=] |access-date=April 8, 2020 |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Heavy rainfall flooded the Kukum Highway in Honiara.<ref name="AustraliaDonates" /> A stream swollen from the rains washed out a {{cvt|3|m|ft|adj=on}} segment of a bridge connecting parts of northwestern ] to Honiara.<ref name="BridgeWashedAway">{{cite news |last1=Nolan |first1=Jimmy |title=Bridge Washed Away by Torrential Rain |url=https://www.solomontimes.com/news/bridge-washed-away-by-torrential-rain/9694 |access-date=April 3, 2020 |work=Solomon Times |publisher=Solomon Times Online |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref> Dozens of families were forced out of their homes on Guadalcanal.<ref name="SolomonsStrained">{{cite news |title=Solomons strained by cyclone in midst of Covid-19 emergency |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413413/solomons-strained-by-cyclone-in-midst-of-covid-19-emergency |access-date=April 3, 2020 |publisher=] |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref> Flooding and fallen trees inflicted damage to buildings in ] as well.<ref name="OxfamVanuatu24Hr">{{cite web |title=Category 5 cyclone Harold to hit Vanuatu in the next 24 hours |url=https://www.oxfam.org.nz/news-media/media-releases/cycloneharold/ |website=Oxfam New Zealand |publisher=Oxfam New Zealand |access-date=April 5, 2020 |date=April 5, 2020 |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407181203/https://www.oxfam.org.nz/news-media/media-releases/cycloneharold/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>


On the night of April&nbsp;2, the ferry ''MV Taimareho'' encountered rough seas and gusts of up to 80&nbsp;km/h (50&nbsp;mph) generated by Harold in ] while en route from Taivu to the Aiarai in West Are 'are in ].<ref name="PassengersTossed">{{cite news |last1=Breslin |first1=Sean |title=Passengers Tossed from Ferry as Cyclone Harold Battered Solomon Islands; at Least 24 Reported Missing |url=https://weather.com/news/news/2020-04-03-solomon-islands-ferry-passengers-missing-cyclone-harold-mv-taimareho |accessdate=April 3, 2020 |work=The Weather Channel |publisher=TWC Product and Technology LLC |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref><ref name="VanuatuRedAlert" /> The ship had been sent to repatriate Malaita residents from Honiara as a precautionary measure during the ongoing ],<ref name="FerryAccident">{{cite news |last1=Wickham |first1=Dorothy |title=Ferry accident during Solomon Islands cyclone leaves 28 missing |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/03/ferry-accident-during-solomon-islands-cyclone-leaves-28-missing |accessdate=April 3, 2020 |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News & Media Limited |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref> though warnings were in effect advising ships to remain in port.<ref name="SearchContinues">{{cite news |last1=Tahana |first1=Jamie |title=Search continues for 27 missing from ferry in Solomon Islands |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413514/search-continues-for-27-missing-from-ferry-in-solomon-islands |accessdate=April 5, 2020 |work=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> Twenty-seven of the 738&nbsp;passengers were knocked overboard by the waves and are presumed dead;<ref name="BBC deaths">{{cite news |title=Cyclone Harold : Superstorm hits Vanuatu after killing 27 in Solomons |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52179853 |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref><ref name="DozensMissingFerryDefies">{{cite news |title=Dozens missing after ferry defies cyclone warning |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52149915 |accessdate=April 3, 2020 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref><ref name="FerryAccident" /><ref name="DozensMissing">{{cite news |last1=Cave |first1=Damien |title=Dozens Missing After Ferry in Solomon Islands Defies Cyclone Warning |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/world/asia/solomon-islands-cyclone-harold-ferry.html |accessdate=April 3, 2020 |work=The New York Times |publisher=The New York Times Company |date=April 3, 2020 |location=New York, New York}}</ref><ref name="VanuatuRedAlert" /> ''Taimareho'' later took refuge in Su'u Harbor in Malaita Province.<ref name="SolomonRetrieveFive">{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Lidia |title=Solomons retrieve five bodies swept off ferry as cyclone heads for Vanuatu |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-storm-pacific-vanuatu/solomons-retrieve-five-bodies-swept-off-ferry-as-cyclone-heads-for-vanuatu-idUKKBN21N01L |accessdate=April 5, 2020 |agency=Reuters|editor-last1=Feast|editor-first1=Lincoln |publisher=Reuters |date=April 4, 2020}}</ref> Planes and ships were dispatched to search for survivors across an area larger than {{cvt|1000|km2}}.<ref name="SearchContinues" /> Rescue efforts were initially hampered by the inclement conditions;<ref name="DozensMissingFerryDefies" /> one rescue helicopter could not fly as its second pilot was quarantined.<ref name="FerryAccident" /> Two bodies were found off the southern coat of Malaita Province, localizing the search region;<ref name="SearchContinues" /> {{as of|2020|4|8|df=US}}, seven bodies have been recovered. The Solomon Islands government launched two investigations into the maritime incident, involving a formal inquiry conducted by the Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration and a criminal investigation.<ref name="PrimeMinisterWestAreAre">{{cite news |title=Prime Minister Meets West Are’are MP and Relatives of Victims |url=https://www.solomontimes.com/news/prime-minister-meets-west-areare-mp-and-relatives-of-victims/9711 |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=Solomon Times |publisher=Solomon Times Online |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> At least two ships were washed ashore by the storm.<ref name="SolomonsStrained" /> Heavy rains from Harold washed out much of the plains in Guadalcanal, reducing the area's ].<ref name="FoodSecuritySolomon">{{cite news |title=Food security an issue in Solomon Islands following TC Harold |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413525/food-security-an-issue-in-solomon-islands-following-tc-harold |accessdate=April 5, 2020 |work=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> The government of ] donated US$60,000 in relief funds to the Solomon Islands.<ref name="AustraliaDonates">{{cite news |title=Australia donates emergency funds to Solomons amid cyclone |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413366/australia-donates-emergency-funds-to-solomons-amid-cyclone |accessdate=April 2, 2020 |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref> On the night of April&nbsp;2, the ferry ''MV Taimareho'' encountered rough seas and gusts of up to {{convert|80|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} generated by Harold in ] while en route from Taivu to the Aiarai in West Are 'are in ].<ref name="PassengersTossed">{{cite news |last1=Breslin |first1=Sean |title=Passengers Tossed from Ferry as Cyclone Harold Battered Solomon Islands; at Least 24 Reported Missing |url=https://weather.com/news/news/2020-04-03-solomon-islands-ferry-passengers-missing-cyclone-harold-mv-taimareho |access-date=April 3, 2020 |work=The Weather Channel |publisher=TWC Product and Technology LLC |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref><ref name="VanuatuRedAlert" /> The ship had been sent to evacuate Malaita residents from Honiara as a precautionary measure,<ref name="FerryAccident">{{cite news |last1=Wickham |first1=Dorothy |title=Ferry accident during Solomon Islands cyclone leaves 28 missing |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/03/ferry-accident-during-solomon-islands-cyclone-leaves-28-missing |access-date=April 3, 2020 |work=] |publisher=Guardian News & Media Limited |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref> though warnings were in effect advising ships to remain in port.<ref name="SearchContinues">{{cite news |last1=Tahana |first1=Jamie |title=Search continues for 27 missing from ferry in Solomon Islands |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413514/search-continues-for-27-missing-from-ferry-in-solomon-islands |access-date=April 5, 2020 |work=] |publisher=] |date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> Twenty-seven of the 738&nbsp;passengers were knocked overboard by the waves and are presumed dead;<ref name="BBC deaths">{{cite news |title=Cyclone Harold : Superstorm hits Vanuatu after killing 27 in Solomons |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52179853 |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=] |publisher=BBC |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref><ref name="DozensMissingFerryDefies">{{cite news |title=Dozens missing after ferry defies cyclone warning |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52149915 |access-date=April 3, 2020 |work=] |publisher=BBC |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref><ref name="FerryAccident" /><ref name="DozensMissing">{{cite news |last1=Cave |first1=Damien |title=Dozens Missing After Ferry in Solomon Islands Defies Cyclone Warning |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/world/asia/solomon-islands-cyclone-harold-ferry.html |access-date=April 3, 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=April 3, 2020 |location=New York, New York}}</ref><ref name="VanuatuRedAlert" /> ''Taimareho'' later took refuge in Su'u Harbor in Malaita Province.<ref name="SolomonRetrieveFive">{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Lidia |title=Solomons retrieve five bodies swept off ferry as cyclone heads for Vanuatu |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-storm-pacific-vanuatu/solomons-retrieve-five-bodies-swept-off-ferry-as-cyclone-heads-for-vanuatu-idUKKBN21N01L |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405091520/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-storm-pacific-vanuatu/solomons-retrieve-five-bodies-swept-off-ferry-as-cyclone-heads-for-vanuatu-idUKKBN21N01L |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 5, 2020 |access-date=April 5, 2020 |work=Reuters|editor1-last=Feast|editor1-first=Lincoln |publisher=Reuters |date=April 4, 2020}}</ref> Planes and ships were dispatched to search for survivors across an area larger than {{cvt|1000|km2}}.<ref name="SearchContinues" /> Rescue efforts were initially hampered by the inclement conditions;<ref name="DozensMissingFerryDefies" /> one rescue helicopter could not fly as its second pilot was quarantined.<ref name="FerryAccident" /> Two bodies were found off the southern coat of Malaita Province, localizing the search region;<ref name="SearchContinues" /> five further bodies were recovered on 6 April.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.solomontimes.com/news/five-bodies-recovered/9699 |title=Five Bodies Recovered |publisher=Solomon Times |date=6 April 2020 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> The Solomon Islands government launched two investigations into the maritime incident, involving a formal inquiry conducted by the Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration and a criminal investigation.<ref name="PrimeMinisterWestAreAre">{{cite news |title=Prime Minister Meets West Are'are MP and Relatives of Victims |url=https://www.solomontimes.com/news/prime-minister-meets-west-areare-mp-and-relatives-of-victims/9711 |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=Solomon Times |publisher=Solomon Times Online |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> At least two ships were washed ashore by the storm.<ref name="SolomonsStrained" /> Heavy rains from Harold washed out much of the plains in Guadalcanal, reducing the area's ].<ref name="FoodSecuritySolomon">{{cite news |title=Food security an issue in Solomon Islands following TC Harold |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413525/food-security-an-issue-in-solomon-islands-following-tc-harold |access-date=April 5, 2020 |work=] |publisher=] |date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> The government of ] donated US$60,000 in relief funds to the Solomon Islands.<ref name="AustraliaDonates">{{cite news |title=Australia donates emergency funds to Solomons amid cyclone |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413366/australia-donates-emergency-funds-to-solomons-amid-cyclone |access-date=April 2, 2020 |publisher=] |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref>


===Vanuatu=== ===Vanuatu===
] on April&nbsp;4|alt=Satellite image of Harold exhibiting an eye and rainbands]] ] on April&nbsp;5|alt=Satellite image of Harold exhibiting an eye and rainbands]]
On April&nbsp;3, the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (VNDMO) issued a yellow alert—indicating the threat of a tropical cyclone within 12&nbsp;hours—for ] and ] provinces in Vanuatu. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department also issued a tropical cyclone warning for these areas.<ref name="BattersSolomon" /> The yellow alert was upgraded to a red alert—the highest-level warning for Vanuatu—on April&nbsp;4 following the upgrading of Harold to a Category&nbsp;3 severe tropical cyclone, while yellow alerts were also issued for ] and ] provinces.<ref name="VanuatuRedAlert">{{cite news |title=Vanuatu on Red Alert as it braces for severe Tropical Cyclone Harold |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413468/vanuatu-on-red-alert-as-it-braces-for-severe-tropical-cyclone-harold |accessdate=April 4, 2020 |work=RNZ |date=April 4, 2020|publisher= Radio New Zealand}}</ref> Red alerts eventually encompassed Malampa, Penama, Sanma, and Torba provinces, with a yellow alert for ]. The VNDMO advised for all residents under the red alert to remain indoors. ] preparedness activities were suspended to facilitate preparations and evacuations for Harold.<ref name="RapidlyIntensifiedCat4">{{cite news |title=Tropical Cyclone Harold has rapidly intensified to a category 4 cyclone |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413475/tropical-cyclone-harold-has-rapidly-intensified-to-a-category-4-cyclone |accessdate=April 4, 2020 |work=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 4, 2020}}</ref><ref name="CoronavirusDistancing">{{cite news |last1=Graue |first1=Catherine |last2=Wasuka |first2=Evan |title=Coronavirus distancing measures lifted as Cyclone Harold lashes Vanuatu |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-06/vanuatu-cyclone-harold-coronavirus-measures-suspended/12124640 |accessdate=April 6, 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=ABC |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> Travel and ] restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic were lifted for those seeking safe houses and evacuation shelters.<ref name="BadTiming">{{cite news |last1=Tahana |first1=Jamie |title='Bad timing': Cyclone Harold likely to hit Vanuatu as category 5 |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413499/bad-timing-cyclone-harold-likely-to-hit-vanuatu-as-category-5 |accessdate=April 4, 2020 |work=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 5, 2020}}</ref><ref name="GiantStorm">{{cite news |last1=Kottasová |first1=Ivana |last2=Miller |first2=Brandon |title=Giant storm hits Vanuatu amid coronavirus state of emergency |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/06/weather/vanuatu-tropical-storm-harold-intl/index.html |accessdate=April 6, 2020 |work=CNN |publisher=Cable News Network |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> On April&nbsp;3, the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (VNDMO) issued a yellow alert—indicating the threat of a tropical cyclone within 12&nbsp;hours—for ] and ] provinces in Vanuatu. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department also issued a tropical cyclone warning for these areas.<ref name="BattersSolomon">{{cite news |title=TC Harold batters Solomon Islands as it heads to Vanuatu |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413421/tc-harold-batters-solomon-islands-as-it-heads-to-vanuatu |access-date=April 3, 2020 |work=] |publisher=] |date=April 3, 2020}}</ref> The yellow alert was upgraded to a red alert—the highest-level warning for Vanuatu—on April&nbsp;4 following the upgrading of Harold to a Category&nbsp;3 severe tropical cyclone, while yellow alerts were also issued for ] and ] provinces.<ref name="VanuatuRedAlert">{{cite news |title=Vanuatu on Red Alert as it braces for severe Tropical Cyclone Harold |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413468/vanuatu-on-red-alert-as-it-braces-for-severe-tropical-cyclone-harold |access-date=April 4, 2020 |work=] |date=April 4, 2020|publisher=] }}</ref>
<ref>{{cite news |title=More Crazy Footage of Cyclone Harold Affecting Vanuatu and Fiji |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9dWKQ7HhZM|access-date=April 4, 2020 |work=youtube |date=April 4, 2020|publisher= youtube}}</ref>
Red alerts eventually encompassed Malampa, Penama, Sanma, and Torba provinces, with a yellow alert for ]. The VNDMO advised for all residents under the red alert to remain indoors. Normal activities were suspended to facilitate preparations and evacuations for Harold.<ref name="RapidlyIntensifiedCat4">{{cite news |title=Tropical Cyclone Harold has rapidly intensified to a category 4 cyclone |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413475/tropical-cyclone-harold-has-rapidly-intensified-to-a-category-4-cyclone |access-date=April 4, 2020 |work=] |publisher=] |date=April 4, 2020}}</ref><ref name="CoronavirusDistancing">{{cite news |last1=Graue |first1=Catherine |last2=Wasuka |first2=Evan |title=Coronavirus distancing measures lifted as Cyclone Harold lashes Vanuatu |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-06/vanuatu-cyclone-harold-coronavirus-measures-suspended/12124640 |access-date=April 6, 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=ABC |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> Several evacuation centers were set up for those seeking safe housing as the storm approached.<ref name="BadTiming">{{cite news |last1=Tahana |first1=Jamie |title='Bad timing': Cyclone Harold likely to hit Vanuatu as category 5 |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413499/bad-timing-cyclone-harold-likely-to-hit-vanuatu-as-category-5 |access-date=April 4, 2020 |work=] |publisher=] |date=April 5, 2020}}</ref><ref name="GiantStorm">{{cite news |last1=Kottasová |first1=Ivana |last2=Miller |first2=Brandon |title=Giant storm hits Vanuatu amid coronavirus state of emergency |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/06/weather/vanuatu-tropical-storm-harold-intl/index.html |access-date=April 6, 2020 |work=] |publisher=Cable News Network |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref>


Hundreds of people evacuated to shelters in Espiritu Santo; disrupted communications in rural areas made estimates difficult, though an official with the ] estimated as many as 1,000&nbsp;people were housed in evacuation centres.<ref name="HaroldLandfallSanto" /> On April&nbsp;5, the ] (IFRC) granted 50,000&nbsp;] from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to the Vanuatu Red Cross Society to help better position staff and aid resources prior to the storm's arrival, mobilizing over a thousand volunteers.<ref name="IFRCEarlyAction">{{cite web |title=Early warning early action in the Pacific for Tropical Cyclone Harold |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/early-warning-early-action-pacific-tropical-cyclone-harold|via=ReliefWeb |publisher=Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre |accessdate=April 6, 2020 |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> Preparing for the storm in ], hundreds of people were sent into evacuation centres before the storm.<ref name="HaroldLandfallSanto" /> The Torba provincial headquarters in ] served as a shelter for families.<ref name="MultipleDisasters">{{cite news |last1=Roberts |first1=Anita |title=Vanuatu Weathers Multiple Disasters |url=https://dailypost.vu/news/vanuatu-weathers-multiple-disasters/article_2896572a-7851-11ea-825a-03fd6d9f77d2.html |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=Daily Post |publisher=Vanuatu Daily Post |date=April 7, 2020 |location=Port Vila, Vanuatu}}</ref> Development organisation ] coordinated with Vanuatuan agencies to develop a response plan for Harold. The Australian ] also devised a support package for both the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.<ref name="VanuatuBracing">{{cite web |title=Vanuatu bracing for Category 5 Cyclone Harold |url=https://media.oxfam.org.au/2020/04/vanuatu-bracing-for-category-5-cyclone-harold/?utm_source=miragenews&utm_medium=miragenews&utm_campaign=news |website=Oxfam Australia |publisher=Oxfam Australia |accessdate=April 5, 2020 |date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> Hundreds of people evacuated to shelters in Espiritu Santo; disrupted communications in rural areas made estimates difficult, though an official with the ] estimated as many as 1,000&nbsp;people were housed in evacuation centres.<ref name="HaroldLandfallSanto" /> On April&nbsp;5, the ] (IFRC) granted 50,000&nbsp;] from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to the Vanuatu Red Cross Society to help better position staff and aid resources prior to the storm's arrival, mobilizing over a thousand volunteers.<ref name="IFRCEarlyAction">{{cite web |title=Early warning early action in the Pacific for Tropical Cyclone Harold |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/early-warning-early-action-pacific-tropical-cyclone-harold|via=ReliefWeb |publisher=Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre |access-date=April 6, 2020 |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> Preparing for the storm in ], hundreds of people were sent into evacuation centres before the storm.<ref name="HaroldLandfallSanto" /> The Torba provincial headquarters in ] served as a shelter for families.<ref name="MultipleDisasters">{{cite news |last1=Roberts |first1=Anita |title=Vanuatu Weathers Multiple Disasters |url=https://dailypost.vu/news/vanuatu-weathers-multiple-disasters/article_2896572a-7851-11ea-825a-03fd6d9f77d2.html |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=Daily Post |publisher=Vanuatu Daily Post |date=April 7, 2020 |location=Port Vila, Vanuatu}}</ref> Development organisation ] coordinated with Vanuatuan agencies to develop a response plan for Harold. The Australian ] also devised a support package for both the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.<ref name="VanuatuBracing">{{cite web |title=Vanuatu bracing for Category 5 Cyclone Harold |url=https://media.oxfam.org.au/2020/04/vanuatu-bracing-for-category-5-cyclone-harold/ |website=Oxfam Australia |publisher=Oxfam Australia |access-date=April 5, 2020 |date=April 5, 2020}}</ref>


Harold was the first Category&nbsp;5 severe tropical cyclone on the Australian scale to strike Vanuatu since ] in ],<ref name="VanuatuBracesStrengtheningHarold">{{cite news |title=Vanuatu braces for strengthening tropical cyclone Harold |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/vanuatu-braces-for-strengthening-tropical-cyclone-harold |accessdate=April 6, 2020 |work=SBS News |publisher=SBS |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> bringing gusts above 275&nbsp;km/h (170&nbsp;mph) and 250–450&nbsp;mm (10–18&nbsp;in) of rain.<ref name="RakesFiji">{{cite news |last1=Cappucci |first1=Matthew |title=Tropical Cyclone Harold rakes Fiji after slamming Vanuatu at Category 5 strength |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/04/07/tropical-cyclone-harold-rakes-fiji-after-slamming-vanuatu-category-5-strength/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The Washington Post |date=April 7, 2020 |location=Washington, D.C.}}</ref> Communications were lost in most of the affected areas, particularly in Vanuatu's northern provinces.<ref name="Solidarity">{{cite news |title=Former Vanuatu MP calls for solidarity as TC Harold rages |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413634/former-vanuatu-mp-calls-for-solidarity-as-tc-harold-rages |accessdate=April 6, 2020 |work=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref><ref name="PowerfulCycloneRips">{{cite news |last1=Ives |first1=Mike |title=Powerful Cyclone Rips Through Vanuatu, Cutting Communications |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/world/australia/cyclone-harold-vanuatu.html |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=April 7, 2020 |location=New York, New York}}</ref> Telecommunications company ] reported loss of contact with the ], Espiritu Santo, ], and Pentecost Island.<ref name="ContinuesWreakHavoc">{{cite news |title=TC Harold continues to wreak havoc in Vanuatu |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/world/pacific-islands/tc-harold-continues-to-wreak-havoc-in-vanuatu/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=FBC News |agency=RNZ |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Limited |date=April 7, 2020 |location=Suva, Fiji}}</ref> Connections were reestablished in the hardest-hit areas two days after Harold made landfall.<ref name="HaroldDevastationRevealed">{{cite news |last1=McKay |first1=Ben |title=Cyclone Harold's devastation revealed |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/cyclone-harold-s-devastation-revealed-20200408-p54idw.html |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=April 8, 2020 |location=Sydney, Australia}}</ref> Beginning prior to landfall, the cyclone's slow movement west of Vanuatu drew in copious moisture, resulting in heavy rainfall. Flash flooding forced people to evacuate their homes for higher ground in ] and damaged roads in Penama. On the island of ], rivers overflowed their banks and inundated gardens.<ref name="BadTiming" /> Farther south, ] recorded {{cvt|166|mm|in}} of rain.<ref name="DeadlyTC">{{cite web |last1=Spamer |first1=Courtney |title=Deadly tropical cyclone bears down on Fiji islands |url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/hurricane/deadly-tropical-cyclone-bears-down-on-fiji-islands/715264 |website=AccuWeather |publisher=AccuWeather, Inc. |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Harold was the first Category&nbsp;5 severe tropical cyclone on the Australian scale to strike Vanuatu since ] in ],<ref name="VanuatuBracesStrengtheningHarold">{{cite news |title=Vanuatu braces for strengthening tropical cyclone Harold |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/vanuatu-braces-for-strengthening-tropical-cyclone-harold |access-date=April 6, 2020 |work=SBS News |publisher=SBS |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> bringing gusts above {{convert|275|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} and {{convert|250|–|450|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain.<ref name="RakesFiji">{{cite news |last1=Cappucci |first1=Matthew |title=Tropical Cyclone Harold rakes Fiji after slamming Vanuatu at Category 5 strength |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/04/07/tropical-cyclone-harold-rakes-fiji-after-slamming-vanuatu-category-5-strength/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 7, 2020 |location=Washington, D.C.}}</ref> Approximately a third of Vanuatu's population was said to have been impacted by the storm across seven islands.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/sandravanuatu/status/1247125206029615105|title=#CycloneHarold #TCHarold #Vanuatu @UNICEFPacific declares that 100,000 people have been impacted, a third of the country's population, the majority of whom are children. Widespread network outages is hindering news from affected areas.|last=Vanuatu|first=Sandra in|date=April 6, 2020|website=@sandravanuatu|language=en|access-date=April 7, 2020}}</ref><ref name="CasualtiesReportedVanuatu">{{cite news |title=Casualties reported in Vanuatu following TC Harold |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413853/casualties-reported-in-vanuatu-following-tc-harold |access-date=April 10, 2020 |work=] |publisher=] |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> Communications were lost in most of the affected areas, particularly in Vanuatu's northern provinces.<ref name="Solidarity">{{cite news |title=Former Vanuatu MP calls for solidarity as TC Harold rages |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413634/former-vanuatu-mp-calls-for-solidarity-as-tc-harold-rages |access-date=April 6, 2020 |work=] |publisher=] |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref><ref name="PowerfulCycloneRips">{{cite news |last1=Ives |first1=Mike |title=Powerful Cyclone Rips Through Vanuatu, Cutting Communications |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/world/australia/cyclone-harold-vanuatu.html |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=April 7, 2020 |location=New York, New York}}</ref> Telecommunications company ] reported loss of contact with the ], Espiritu Santo, ], and Pentecost Island.<ref name="ContinuesWreakHavoc">{{cite news |title=TC Harold continues to wreak havoc in Vanuatu |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/world/pacific-islands/tc-harold-continues-to-wreak-havoc-in-vanuatu/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=FBC News |agency=] |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Limited |date=April 7, 2020 |location=Suva, Fiji}}</ref> Connections were reestablished in the hardest-hit areas two days after Harold made landfall.<ref name="HaroldDevastationRevealed">{{cite news |last1=McKay |first1=Ben |title=Cyclone Harold's devastation revealed |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/cyclone-harold-s-devastation-revealed-20200408-p54idw.html |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=] |date=April 8, 2020 |location=Sydney, Australia}}</ref> Beginning prior to landfall, the cyclone's slow movement west of Vanuatu drew in copious moisture, resulting in heavy rainfall. Flash flooding forced people to evacuate their homes for higher ground in ] and damaged roads in Penama. On the island of ], rivers overflowed their banks and inundated gardens.<ref name="BadTiming" /> Farther south, ] recorded {{cvt|166|mm|in}} of rain.<ref name="DeadlyTC">{{cite web |last1=Spamer |first1=Courtney |title=Deadly tropical cyclone bears down on Fiji islands |url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/hurricane/deadly-tropical-cyclone-bears-down-on-fiji-islands/715264 |website=AccuWeather |publisher=AccuWeather, Inc. |access-date=April 7, 2020 |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref>


]
Modelling from the ]'s ] suggested that ] heights peaked at {{cvt|0.8|m|ft}} in Vanuatu.<ref name="GDACS-Impact">{{cite web |title=Impact |url=https://www.gdacs.org/Cyclones/report.aspx?eventid=1000663&episodeid=14&eventtype=TC |website=Tropical Cyclone HAROLD-20 |publisher=Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System |accessdate=April 6, 2020}}</ref> Damage was extensive in Espiritu Santo where Harold first made landfall.<ref name="HaroldReportsOfDestruction">{{cite news |last1=Tahana |first1=Jamie |title=Cyclone Harold: Reports of destruction emerge, assessments begin |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413645/cyclone-harold-reports-of-destruction-emerge-assessments-begin |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Ships were grounded on the shores of the island by the rough seas.<ref name="HaroldLandfallSanto" /> Extensive defoliation and flooding occurred across northern Vanuatu.<ref name="PicturesCycloneRavaged">{{cite news |last1=Tahana |first1=Jamie |title=Pictures of devastation emerge from cyclone-ravaged Vanuatu and Fiji |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413794/pictures-of-devastation-emerge-from-cyclone-ravaged-vanuatu-and-fiji |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Water shortages and power outages began affecting ], Espiritu Santo's largest city, prior to Harold's landfall. Heavy rainfall also threatened the contamination of Luganville's water supplies and washing out crops and roads, especially in low-lying areas. As the cyclone made landfall and moved through the city on April&nbsp;6, the winds unroofed homes and downed trees.<ref name="HaroldLandfallSanto" /> Some buildings were flattened by the storm,<ref name="PoundsVanuatu">{{cite news |title=Cyclone pounds Vanuatu, levelling buildings, amid virus shutdown |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/cyclone-pounds-vanuatu--levelling-buildings--amid-virus-shutdown-12613888 |work=Channel News Asia |publisher=Mediacorp Pte Ltd. |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> with one reduced to its foundation.<ref name="HaroldDevastationRevealed" /> Approximately 50–70&nbsp;percent of buildings in the city were damaged;<ref name="HaroldReportsOfDestruction" /> about half of homes suffered significant damage.<ref name="MonsterTears">{{cite news |title=Monster cyclone tears through Vanuatu town |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/591024/monster-cyclone-tears-through-vanuatu-town-daily-times/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=Daily Times |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Further torrential rainfall flooded roadways. Luganville's municipal council building was destroyed. Communications with the city were disrupted as the storm swept through,<ref name="HaroldLandfallSanto">{{cite news |last1=Tahana |first1=Jamie |title=Cyclone Harold updates: Storm makes landfall on Vanuatu's Santo |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/413549/cyclone-harold-updates-storm-makes-landfall-on-vanuatu-s-santo |accessdate=April 6, 2020 |work=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> and the city was further isolated from the rest of Espiritu Santo by floods, debris, and landslides.<ref name="HaroldReportsOfDestruction" /> Buildings were also destroyed across the rest of Sanma Province.<ref name="PoundsVanuatu" /> Initial reports suggested severe damage was inflicted near Harold's point of landfall in the southwestern part of the province,<ref name="HaroldReportsOfDestruction" /> with some areas experiencing damage to all structures.<ref name="MonsterHaroldWreaksHavoc">{{cite news |title=Monster tropical Cyclone Harold wreaks havoc in Vanuatu |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/120917900/monster-tropical-cyclone-harold-wreaks-havoc-in-vanuatu |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=Stuff |publisher=Stuff Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Shacks along the coast of Espiritu Santo were completely demolished, with some more developed homes unroofed and their walls ripped off or collapsed in.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Spamer|first=Courtney|url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/hurricane/devastating-images-of-damage-emerge-in-vanuatu-following-deadly-cyclone-harold/715264|title='Devastating' images of damage emerge in Vanuatu following deadly Cyclone Harold|date=April 7, 2020|work=AccuWeather|access-date=April 7, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> No building or structure was left unscathed in some communities on ].<ref name="MonsterHaroldWreaksHavoc" /> More extreme damage was reported in Pentecost, where the storm made its second landfall near peak intensity. Entire villages were reportedly destroyed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/sandravanuatu/status/1247405281664847878?s=20|title=#Vanuatu #CycloneHarold #TCHarold Reports trickling in of the cyclone’s destruction in multiple small communities throughout several islands. In this #PentecostIsland village of 231 people, all its 55 homes were damaged or destroyed. Thankfully no casualties. Photo Watas Celacpic.twitter.com/Bv9wQ8hEkV|last=Vanuatu|first=Sandra in|date=April 6, 2020|website=@sandravanuatu|language=en|access-date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Further aerial damage surveys were issued to assess damage on the island.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/sandravanuatu/status/1247407257836343303?s=20|title=#Vanuatu #CycloneHarold #TCHarold Aerial survey on its way to Santo, Maewo, Pentecost & Ambae Islands, all of which suffered the full force of this powerful storm. Photo Leo Ppic.twitter.com/nQ5D6GVYm6|last=Vanuatu|first=Sandra in|date=April 6, 2020|website=@sandravanuatu|language=en|access-date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Approximately a third of Vanuatu's population was said to have been impacted by the storm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/sandravanuatu/status/1247125206029615105|title=#CycloneHarold #TCHarold #Vanuatu @UNICEFPacific declares that 100,000 people have been impacted, a third of the country’s population, the majority of whom are children. Widespread network outages is hindering news from affected areas.|last=Vanuatu|first=Sandra in|date=April 6, 2020|website=@sandravanuatu|language=en|access-date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Modelling from the ]'s ] suggested that ] heights peaked at {{cvt|0.8|m|ft}} in Vanuatu.<ref name="GDACS-Impact">{{cite web |title=Impact |url=https://www.gdacs.org/Cyclones/report.aspx?eventid=1000663&episodeid=14&eventtype=TC |website=Tropical Cyclone HAROLD-20 |publisher=Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System |access-date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> Damage was extensive in Espiritu Santo where Harold first made landfall.<ref name="HaroldReportsOfDestruction">{{cite news |last1=Tahana |first1=Jamie |title=Cyclone Harold: Reports of destruction emerge, assessments begin |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413645/cyclone-harold-reports-of-destruction-emerge-assessments-begin |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=] |publisher=] |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Ships were grounded on the shores of the island by the rough seas.<ref name="HaroldLandfallSanto" /> Extensive defoliation and flooding occurred across northern Vanuatu.<ref name="PicturesCycloneRavaged">{{cite news |last1=Tahana |first1=Jamie |title=Pictures of devastation emerge from cyclone-ravaged Vanuatu and Fiji |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413794/pictures-of-devastation-emerge-from-cyclone-ravaged-vanuatu-and-fiji |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=] |publisher=] |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Water shortages and power outages began affecting ], Espiritu Santo's largest city, prior to Harold's landfall. Heavy rainfall also threatened the contamination of Luganville's water supplies and washing out crops and roads, especially in low-lying areas. As the cyclone made landfall and moved through the city on April&nbsp;6, the winds unroofed homes and downed trees.<ref name="HaroldLandfallSanto" /> Some buildings were flattened by the storm,<ref name="PoundsVanuatu">{{cite news |title=Cyclone pounds Vanuatu, levelling buildings, amid virus shutdown |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/cyclone-pounds-vanuatu--levelling-buildings--amid-virus-shutdown-12613888 |work=Channel News Asia |publisher=Mediacorp Pte Ltd. |date=April 6, 2020 |access-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407150130/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/cyclone-pounds-vanuatu--levelling-buildings--amid-virus-shutdown-12613888 |url-status=dead }}</ref> with one reduced to its foundation.<ref name="HaroldDevastationRevealed" /> Approximately 50–70&nbsp;percent of buildings in the city were damaged;<ref name="HaroldReportsOfDestruction" /> about half of homes suffered significant damage.<ref name="MonsterTears">{{cite news |title=Monster cyclone tears through Vanuatu town |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/591024/monster-cyclone-tears-through-vanuatu-town-daily-times/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=Daily Times |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Luganville Mayor Peter Patty stated “We are badly affected. We urgently need water, food and shelter at the moment. Many have lost their homes. Schools are destroyed. Electricity is down. I'm urgently calling for help. This is one of the worst experiences of my life.” following the storm.<ref name="LuganvilleMayorHelp" /> Further torrential rainfall flooded roadways. Luganville's municipal council building was destroyed. Communications with the city were disrupted as the storm swept through,<ref name="HaroldLandfallSanto">{{cite news |last1=Tahana |first1=Jamie |title=Cyclone Harold updates: Storm makes landfall on Vanuatu's Santo |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/413549/cyclone-harold-updates-storm-makes-landfall-on-vanuatu-s-santo |access-date=April 6, 2020 |work=] |publisher=] |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> and the city was further isolated from the rest of Espiritu Santo by floods, debris, and landslides.<ref name="HaroldReportsOfDestruction" /> Mayor of the ] to Luganville, ] in ], promised to help bring supplies and "exceptional assistance" to help Luganville recover from the devastating cyclone.<ref name="LuganvilleMayorHelp">{{cite news |title=Luganville Mayor Pleads for Urgent Help |url=https://dailypost.vu/news/luganville-mayor-pleads-for-urgent-help/article_43abe1da-791c-11ea-9c4d-3bce13ffdb85.html |access-date=April 10, 2020 |publisher=Vanuatu Daily Post |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Buildings were also destroyed across the rest of Sanma Province.<ref name="PoundsVanuatu" /> Initial reports suggested severe damage was inflicted near Harold's point of landfall in the southwestern part of the province,<ref name="HaroldReportsOfDestruction" /> with some areas experiencing damage to all structures.<ref name="MonsterHaroldWreaksHavoc">{{cite news |title=Monster tropical Cyclone Harold wreaks havoc in Vanuatu |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/120917900/monster-tropical-cyclone-harold-wreaks-havoc-in-vanuatu |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=] |publisher=Stuff Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Shacks along the coast of Espiritu Santo were completely demolished, with some more developed homes unroofed and their walls ripped off or collapsed in.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Spamer|first=Courtney|url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/hurricane/devastating-images-of-damage-emerge-in-vanuatu-following-deadly-cyclone-harold/715264|title='Devastating' images of damage emerge in Vanuatu following deadly Cyclone Harold|date=April 7, 2020|work=AccuWeather|access-date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> No building or structure was left unscathed in some communities on ].<ref name="MonsterHaroldWreaksHavoc" /> Two deaths were reported on the island, and many were said to have been injured.<ref name="Luganville destroyed">{{Cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413890/close-to-70-percent-of-vanuatu-s-luganville-destroyed-by-cyclone-harold |title=Close to 70 percent of Vanuatu's Luganville destroyed by Cyclone Harold |last=Tahana |first=Jamie |date=April 9, 2020 |website=] |access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref>

More extreme damage was reported in Pentecost, where the storm made its second landfall near peak intensity. Entire villages were reportedly destroyed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/sandravanuatu/status/1247405281664847878|title=#Vanuatu #CycloneHarold #TCHarold Reports trickling in of the cyclone's destruction in multiple small communities throughout several islands. In this #PentecostIsland village of 231 people, all its 55 homes were damaged or destroyed. Thankfully no casualties. Photo Watas Celacpic.twitter.com/Bv9wQ8hEkV|last=Vanuatu|first=Sandra in|date=April 6, 2020|website=@sandravanuatu|language=en|access-date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Further aerial damage surveys were issued to assess damage on the island.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/sandravanuatu/status/1247407257836343303|title=#Vanuatu #CycloneHarold #TCHarold Aerial survey on its way to Santo, Maewo, Pentecost & Ambae Islands, all of which suffered the full force of this powerful storm. Photo Leo Ppic.twitter.com/nQ5D6GVYm6|last=Vanuatu|first=Sandra in|date=April 6, 2020|website=@sandravanuatu|language=en|access-date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> With the health facility ] destroyed and staff housing damaged, the lower floor of another damaged building was used as a temporary medical ward.<ref name="PHTSitrep9Apr">{{cite web |title=Pacific Humanitarian Team - Vanuatu Tropical Cyclone Harold Situation Report # 9 April 2020 |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/pacific-humanitarian-team-vanuatu-tropical-cyclone-harold-situation-report-9-april|via=ReliefWeb |publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs |access-date=April 10, 2020 |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> Damage wrought by Harold was said to have affected fewer areas than that of ] five years prior, but overall damage was deemed significantly worse in some areas, particularly Pentecost.<ref name="AustraliaAidVanuatu" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Before/after of Luganville, Espiritu Santo Island|url=https://mobile.twitter.com/Sean_Breslin/status/1248743567192924161|via=Twitter |publisher=Maxar |access-date=April 11, 2020 |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> 68% of all structures on Pentecost Island were estimated to have been damaged, while 45% were estimated to have been damaged on Malo Island.<ref name="HaroldSituationReport9">{{Cite web|title=Pacific Humanitarian Team - Tropical Cyclone Harold Situation Report #9, 21 April 2020|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/PHT%20Sitrep%209_TC%20Harold_21042020.pdf|date=April 22, 2020|access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref>
The ] enacted for Vanuatu for the COVID-19 pandemic was extended to bolster the government response to Harold's aftermath.<ref name="SOEExtended">{{cite news |last1=Roberts |first1=Anita |title=SOE to be extended to respond to TC Harold |url=https://dailypost.vu/news/soe-to-be-extended-to-respond-to-tc-harold/article_85a61a92-791c-11ea-951d-73e4224c4fd2.html |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=Daily Post |publisher=Vanuatu Daily Post |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="CrisisManagement">{{cite news |last1=Blades |first1=Johnny |title=Crisis management the priority amid Vanuatu govt negotiations |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413759/crisis-management-the-priority-amid-vanuatu-govt-negotiations |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> ] launched a disaster response team to assess and aid in repairing damage across Vanuatu's ] just hours after the first impacts from Harold, doubling down on ] aid as well.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oxfam coordinates response as Cyclone Harold hits Vanuatu |url=https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/oxfam-coordinates-response-cyclone-harold-hits-vanuatu |website=Oxfam International |publisher=Oxfam |accessdate=April 6, 2020}}</ref> ] prepared relief materials on the islands for distribution to affected children.<ref name="SaveTheChildren">{{cite news |title=Save the Children ready to help as Cyclone Harold bears down on Vanuatu |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/world/save-children-ready-help-cyclone-harold-bears-down-vanuatu |accessdate=April 6, 2020 |work=1 News |publisher=TVNZ |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> The Vanautu Red Cross Society was joined by Red Cross societies from Fiji and the Solomon Islands.<ref name="FijiRedCrossWorks">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: Fiji Red Cross works with Vanuatu and Solomon counterparts |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-fiji-red-cross-works-with-vanuatu-and-solomon-counterparts/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The FIji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Stockpiled emergency kits were distributed by the Vanuatu Catholic Church for those affected.<ref name="HaroldHitsPacific" /> Lisa Faerua, the country director for Oxfam, stated that recovery from the storm could take up to a year, which would likely be delayed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vanuatu faces 12-month recovery as Cyclone Harold heads for Fiji |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-08/cyclone-harold-batters-vanuatu-heads-for-fiji/12131814 |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |publisher=ABC News (Australia) |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Relief supplies shipped to Vanuatu were required to be quarantined for seven days before distribution on the islands.<ref name="CouldCauseCoronavirusEmergency">{{cite news |title=Vanuatu needs aid after Cyclone Harold, but there are fears it could cause a coronavirus emergency |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/vanuatu-needs-aid-after-cyclone-harold-but-there-are-fears-it-could-cause-a-coronavirus-emergency |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=SBS News |publisher=Special Broadcasting Service |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> A ] surveillance plane was sent by the ] to determine where humanitarian assistance could be prioritized.<ref name="HaroldDevastationRevealed" /><ref name="NewZealandProvideAssistance">{{cite web |title=New Zealand to provide assistance to Vanuatu following Tropical Cyclone Harold |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/new-zealand-provide-assistance-vanuatu-following-tropical-cyclone-harold|via=ReliefWeb |publisher=Government of New Zealand |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> New Zealand foreign minister ] funded US$485,000 (NZ$500,000) to the Government of Vanuatu to help aid recovery following the storm on April&nbsp;8.<ref name="HaroldDevastationRevealed" /><ref>{{cite news |title=New Zealand to provide surveillance and funding to cyclone-hit Vanuatu |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12322989 |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |publisher=nzherald |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref>


===Fiji=== ===Fiji===
] ]
The FMS issued heavy rain alerts for the western half of ], ], and the ] and ] islands on April&nbsp;6, anticipating the arrival of Harold's rainbands and its centre's eventual passage south of Fiji.<ref name="HeavyRainAlert">{{cite news |title=COVID-19: Heavy rain alert in force; TC Harold to move closer to South-west of Fiji |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/covid-19-heavy-rain-alert-in-force-tc-harold-to-move-closer-to-south-west-of-fiji/ |accessdate=April 5, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> Storm warnings were later put in effect for the areas under a heavy rain alert, in addition to the ]; the heavy rain alert was expanded to encompass the entirety of the Fijian islands.<ref name="HaroldStartAffectFiji">{{cite news |last1=Deo |first1=Rohit |title=Harold to start affecting Fiji by tomorrowHarold to start affecting Fiji by tomorrow |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/harold-to-start-affecting-fiji-by-tomorrow/ |accessdate=April 6, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> The highest warning, a hurricane warning, was issued for Kadavu and ] on April&nbsp;7.<ref name="HurricaneWarningKadavuOnoILau">{{cite news |last1=Swami |first1=Nasik |title=STC Harold: Hurricane warning for Kadavu, Ono-i-Lau |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-hurricane-warning-for-kadavu-ono-i-lau/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> The Fiji National Disaster Management Office (FDNMO) activated their Emergency Operations Centre to streamline preparations and evacuations.<ref name="EOCActivated">{{cite news |last1=Deo |first1=Rohit |title=National Emergency Operation Center activated |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/national-emergency-operation-center-activated/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Across Fiji, 25&nbsp;evacuation centres were initially opened,<ref name="RestrictedMovement">{{cite news |last1=Krishant |first1=Naveel |title=Restricted movement for Viti Levu confirmed by NDMO |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Restricted-movement-for-Viti-Levu-confirmed-by-NDMO-xrf485/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> with 22 in the Western Division and 3 in the Central Division; at least 2,146&nbsp;people sought shelter in the centres.<ref name="25EvacCentres">{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Indra |title=25 evacuation centers activated |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-harold/25-evacuation-centers-activated/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Eighty-five shelters were eventually opened, with at least two in each of Fiji's four districts.<ref name="1700PeopleEvacuation">{{cite news |last1=Turaga |first1=Semi |title=More than 1,700 people in evacuation centres |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/More-than-1700-people-in-evacuation-centres-rxf584/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> All village headmen and community leaders were directed to evacuate their people to safety.<ref name="NDMOCommunityLeaders">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: NDMO urges headmen and community leaders to evacuate |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-ndmo-urges-headmen-and-community-leaders-to-evacuate/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> The Kadavu Provincial Council warned Kadavu residents to seek higher ground.<ref name="KadavuVillagersWarned">{{cite news |last1=Vakasukawaqa |first1=Arieta |title=STC Harold: Kadavu villagers warned to move to higher ground |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-move-to-higher-ground-kadavu-residents-warned/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Viti Levu was placed under a restriction of movement order on April&nbsp;8, ensuring that only emergency services would be on the roads;<ref name="RestrictionMovementVitiLevu">{{cite news |last1=Boyle |first1=Maggie |title=Restriction of Movement on Viti Levu to remain until 8pm |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-harold/restriction-of-movement-on-viti-levu-to-remain-until-8pm/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> this order was lifted later that day.<ref name="RestrictionsLifted">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: Movement restrictions lifted |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-movement-restrictions-lifted/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> The director of the Fijian Ministry of Fisheries, Mere Lakeba, advised for aquaculture farmers to reduce water usage and boaters to move their vessels to safety.<ref name="StakeholdersUrged">{{cite news |last1=Swami |first1=Nasik |title=STC Harold: Stakeholders urged to prepare for cyclone |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-stakeholders-urged-to-prepare-for-cyclone/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Maritime clearances were indefinitely terminated for all ships by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, apart from evacuating ships.<ref name="MSAFAdvisesMariners">{{cite news |last1=Deo |first1=Rohit |title=MSAF advises mariners as Severe TC Harold approaches |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/msaf-advises-mariners-severe-tc-harold-approaches/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> All Land Transport Authority offices were closed.<ref name="LTAOffices">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: All LTA offices close; Staff advised to stay home |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-all-lta-offices-close-staff-advised-to-stay-home/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Non-essential civil servants were directed to stay home.<ref name="NonEssentialCivilServants">{{cite news |last1=Sesu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: All non-essential civil servants to stay home from tomorrow |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-all-non-essential-civil-servants-to-stay-home-from-tomorrow/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> On April&nbsp;7, ] moved some of its larger aircraft to ] to avoid storm damage. Fiji Airways flights carrying evacuees departed for ] and ].<ref name="FijiAirwaysMove">{{cite news |last1=Naikaso |first1=Filipe |title=Fiji Airways to move few airplanes overseas amid TC Harold |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/natural-disaster/fiji-airways-to-move-few-airplanes-overseas-amid-tc-harold/ |accessdate=April 6, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Limited |date=April 7, 2020 |location=Suva, Fiji}}</ref><ref name="FijiAirwaysStored">{{cite news |last1=Nasiko |first1=Repeka |title=STC Harold: Fiji Airways stored away aircrafts ahead of cyclone |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-fiji-airways-stored-away-aircrafts-ahead-of-cyclone/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref>


During April 6, the FMS issued a tropical cyclone alert for ], ], ] as well as the ] and ] and ] group of islands.<ref>{{cite report|date=April 6, 2020|title=Special Weather Bulletin Number Two for Fiji on Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold April 6, 2020 06z|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 12, 2020|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|access-date=April 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412212335/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20200406/060000/A_WWFJ40NFFN060600_C_RJTD_20200406082418_62.txt}}</ref>
Early on April&nbsp;7, villagers in the ] and ] groups began to feel some early effects from the storm, including gusty winds, moderate coastal flooding, and storm surge. The ] (village chief) advised all villagers on Malolo to stay inside and remain alert at all times throughout the day.<ref>{{cite news |title=Malolo and Yasawa Islands brace for TC Harold |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/natural-disaster/malolo-and-yasawa-islands-brace-for-tc-harold/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |publisher=FBC News |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Heavy rainfall flooded several communities across Fiji; flash flood warnings covered all low-lying areas and watersheds throughout the country.<ref name="FloodWarningIssued">{{cite news |last1=Nand |first1=Edwin |title=Flood warning issued |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-harold/flood-warning-issued/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Parts of ], ], and two villages were flooded.<ref name="Naisausau">{{cite news |last1=Nacei |first1=Luke |title=STC Harold: Heavy rain cause flooding at Naisausau Village, Tailevu |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-heavy-rain-cause-flooding-at-naisausau-village-tailevu/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref><ref name="BaTownFlooded">{{cite news |last1=Chand |first1=Anish |title=STC Harold: Parts of Ba town flooded; Flood warning in force for low-lying areas |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-parts-of-ba-town-flooded-flood-warning-in-force-for-low-lying-areas/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Solevu">{{cite news |last1=Nacei |first1=Luke |title=STC Harold: Flooding reported in Solevu Village, Malolo |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-flooding-reported-in-solevu-village-malolo/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref><ref name="FloodingLautoka">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Vijay |title=Flooding in Lautoka |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Flooding-in-Lautoka-f58rx4/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Patients in the main hospital in Lautoka were moved to the ground floor as a precautionary measure.<ref name="LautokaHospital">{{cite news |last1=Nacei |first1=Luke |title=STC Harold: Patients in Lautoka evacuated for precautionary measures |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-patients-in-lautoka-evacuated-for-precautionary-measures/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Police checkpoints were established to restrict travel to Ba due to widespread floods along the Ba River and nearby creeks.<ref name="PartBaFlooded">{{cite news |last1=Nanuqa |first1=Josaia |title=Part of Ba town is flooded |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/part-of-ba-town-is-flooded/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="BaRiver">{{cite news |last1=Nasiko |first1=Repeka |title=STC Harold: Ba river and surrounding creeks burst banks |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-ba-river-and-surrounding-creeks-burst-banks/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Nearly a hundred homes in Qauia, ], were affected by flooding.<ref name="QauiaAffected">{{cite news |last1=Krishant |first1=Naveel |title=Qauia in Lami affected by rising flood waters |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Qauia-in-Lami-affected-by-rising-flood-waters-f48rx5/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Roads were blocked by fallen trees, floodwaters, and landslides.<ref name="FloodingFallenTrees">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: Several roads closed; Flooding and fallen trees reported |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-several-roads-closed-flooding-and-fallen-trees-reported/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Tmies |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Landslip">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: Landslip at Dilkusha; Motorists advised to take alternative routes |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-landslip-at-dilkusha-motorists-advised-to-take-alternative-routes/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> The ] overflowed its banks, submerging a highway and a bridge.<ref name="Nasivi">{{cite news |last1=Chand |first1=Anish |title=STC Harold: Tavua’s Nasivi river breaks it bank |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-tavuas-nasivi-river-breaks-it-bank/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Sections of Queens and Kings highways were closed due to obstructions.<ref name="QueensKingsHighway">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Vijay |title=Queen’s and King’s highways closed in certain areas |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Queens-and-Kings-highways-closed-in-certain-areas--45fxr8/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Nine houses were razed in ], injuring several people.<ref name="NineHousesTailevu">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: Nine houses destroyed and several injured in Tailevu; Police team deployed |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-nine-houses-destroyed-and-several-injured-in-tailevu-police-team-deployed/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Tailevu North College and homes in Tailevu lost parts of their roofs.<ref name="TailevuNorthCollege">{{cite news |last1=Danford |first1=Iva |title=Tailevu North College partially damaged due to strong winds experienced this morning |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Tailevu-North-College-partially-damaged-due-to-strong-winds-experienced-this-morning-5fr84x/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Crops were uprooted from farms by the winds.<ref name="LawakiVillage">{{cite news |last1=Naivalurua |first1=Navitalai |title=TC Harold damage houses and crops in Lawaki Village, Tailevu |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/TC-Harold-damage-houses-and-crops-in-Lawaki-Village-Tailevu-f5x48r/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> In ], winds reached 95&nbsp;km/h (60&nbsp;mph) and electricity was cut.<ref name="RakesFiji" /><ref name="StrongWindRainPickup">{{cite news |last1=Filipe |first1=Naikaso |title=Strong wind and rain pick up in Nadi |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/natural-disaster/strong-wind-and-rain-pick-up-in-nadi/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Power outages stemming from downed power poles and lines affected much of Fiji's ] and ] divisions.<ref name="PowerOutageCentralWestern">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: Power outage in Central and Western divisions caused by fallen poles |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-power-outage-in-central-and-western-divisions-caused-by-fallen-poles/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Power company Energy Fiji Limited described the damage to its power lines as "significant".<ref name="SignificantEFL">{{cite news |last1=Turaga |first1=Semi |title=EFL confirms significant damages to power lines |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/EFL-confirms-significant-damages-to-power-lines-58f4rx/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Houses in ] were damaged by strong winds and most parts of the city were left without power.<ref name="NabituSigatoka">{{cite news |last1=Danford |first1=Iva |title=Some houses in Nabitu, Sigatoka damaged |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Some-houses-in-Nabitu-Sigatoka-damaged-f85r4x/|accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="SigatokaStrongWind">{{cite news |last1=Nanuqa |first1=Josaia |title=Sigatoka currently experiencing strong wind |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/sigatoka-currently-experiencing-strong-wind/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> A tornado struck Vusuya, ] on the morning of April&nbsp;8, unroofing homes, uprooting trees, and felling power poles;<ref name="TornadoNausori">{{cite news |last1=Vacala |first1=Kelly |title=Police deployed to Nausori following tornado claims |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-harold/police-deployed-to-nausori-following-tornado-claims/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> fifteen houses were badly damaged and two people were injured.<ref name="TwoInjuredVusuya">{{cite news |last1=Turuga |first1=Semi |last2=Krishant |first2=Naveel |title=Two injured in Vusuya |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Two-injured-in-Vusuya-845rfx/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="TornadoesFromHarold">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Vijay |title=Tornadoes from TC Harold Affect Nakasi and Nausori Bhawani Dayal Arya College’s double storey classroom block roof and other houses significantly damaged |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Tornadoes-from-TC-Harold-Affect-Nakasi-and-Nausori--4x85fr/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Seven houses and a school were unroofed by another tornado in ].<ref name="FeederRoad">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Vijay |title=Bhawani Dayal School Block roof blown away while houses in Nakasi badly damaged Some people injured at Momi Feeder Rd in Nausori |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Bhawani-Dayal-School-Block-roof-blown-away-while-houses-in-Nakasi-badly-damaged-Some-people-injured-at-Momi-Feeder-Rd-in-Nausori-xfr485/ |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="TornadoesFromHarold" /> Nine homes in Narere, ] were damaged by a third tornado produced by Harold.<ref name="NavosaiResidentTornado">{{cite news |last1=Kumar |first1=Vishaal |title=STC Harold: Navosai resident claim tornado damaged their homes |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-navosai-resident-claim-tornado-damaged-their-homes/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Low-lying areas of ] were inundated along the coastal waterfront.<ref name="LowlyingSava">{{cite news |last1=Chaudhary |first1=Felix |title=STC Harold: Low-lying areas in Suva experience flooding |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-low-lying-areas-in-suva-experience-flooding/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> About ten homes in the city were destroyed.<ref name="BattersFijiFlattening">{{cite news |title=Cyclone Harold batters Fiji, flattening homes and flooding towns |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/cyclone-harold-batters-fiji-flattening-homes-flooding-towns-200408060543606.html |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=Al Jazeera |publisher=Al Jazeera Media Network |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Metal and aluminum pipes from a skyscraper undergoing construction in Suva fell onto the adjacent roads and properties.<ref name="WGFriendship">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Vijay |last2=Danford |first2=Iva |title=Stay away from incomplete WG Friendship Plaza on McGregor Road |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Stay-away-from-incomplete-WG-Friendship-Plaza-on-McGregor-Road-48x5fr/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Heavy rain and strong winds extended into the Northern Division, downing trees and signage.<ref name="GustyWindsNorthernDivision">{{cite news |last1=Turagaiviu |first1=Elenoa |title=Gusty winds experienced in the Northern Division |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-harold/gusty-winds-experienced-in-the-northern-division/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Cassava, plantain, and banana plantations sustained losses due to strong winds in Kubulau, ].<ref name="FallenTreesCropDamage">{{cite news |last1=Turagaiviu |first1=Elenoa |title=Fallen trees and crop damage in Bua |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-harold/fallen-trees-and-crop-damage-in-bua/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Communications were lost in the Kadavu and the Lau islands, where many buildings were damaged.<ref name="CurrentlyAffectingLau" /><ref name="TCHaroldLeftMassiveKadavu">{{cite news |last1=Waqairadovu |first1=Apenisa |title=TC Harold left massive destruction in Naioti, Kadavu |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/natural-disaster/tc-harold-left-massive-destruction-in-naioti-kadavu/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref><ref name="TwoVillagesOnoKadavu">{{cite news |last1=Naqelevuki |first1=Vilimaina |title=STC Harold: Homes destroyed in two villages on Ono, Kadavu |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-homes-destroyed-in-two-villages-on-ono-kadavu/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> Widespread damage was reported in ].<ref name="CurrentlyAffectingLau">{{cite news |last1=Krishant |first1=Naveel |title=Category 4 TC Harold continues to move east-southeast direction and currently affecting Lau Group |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Category-4-TC-Harold-continues-to-move-east-southeast-direction-and-currently-affecting-Lau-Group-8f5r4x/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> Farms and crops were damaged in ].<ref name="LomalomaVillage">{{cite news |last1=Naivalurua |first1=Navitalai |title=Lomaloma Village in Vanuabalavu has experienced storm surges with strong winds |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Lomaloma-Village-in-Vanuabalavu-have-experienced-storm-surges-with-strong-winds-8fxr45/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> In Bulia, Kadavu, around 20&nbsp;homes were damaged, including newly-built houses.<ref name="Category5HaroldContinues">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Vijay |last2=Turaga |first2=Semi |last3=Danford |first3=Iva |last4=Krishant |first4=Naveel |last5=Kumar |first5=Rahsika |last6=Naivalurua |first6=Navitalai |title=Category 5 TC Harold continues to move in the east-southeast direction and away from Fiji group |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/TC-Harold-intensifies-into-Category-5-system-and-continues-to-move-in-the-east-southeast-direction-and-affecting-the-Lau-Group-4f5x8r/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref>


The FMS issued heavy rain alerts for the western half of ], ], and the ] and ] islands on April&nbsp;6, anticipating the arrival of Harold's rainbands and its centre's eventual passage south of Fiji.<ref name="HeavyRainAlert">{{cite news |title=COVID-19: Heavy rain alert in force; TC Harold to move closer to South-west of Fiji |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/covid-19-heavy-rain-alert-in-force-tc-harold-to-move-closer-to-south-west-of-fiji/ |access-date=April 5, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> Storm warnings were later put in effect for the areas under a heavy rain alert, in addition to the ]; the heavy rain alert was expanded to encompass the entirety of the Fijian islands.<ref name="HaroldStartAffectFiji">{{cite news |last1=Deo |first1=Rohit |title=Harold to start affecting Fiji by tomorrowHarold to start affecting Fiji by tomorrow |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/harold-to-start-affecting-fiji-by-tomorrow/ |access-date=April 6, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> The highest warning, a hurricane warning, was issued for Kadavu and ] on April&nbsp;7.<ref name="HurricaneWarningKadavuOnoILau">{{cite news |last1=Swami |first1=Nasik |title=STC Harold: Hurricane warning for Kadavu, Ono-i-Lau |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-hurricane-warning-for-kadavu-ono-i-lau/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> The Fiji National Disaster Management Office (FDNMO) activated their Emergency Operations Centre to streamline preparations and evacuations.<ref name="EOCActivated">{{cite news |last1=Deo |first1=Rohit |title=National Emergency Operation Center activated |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/national-emergency-operation-center-activated/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Across Fiji, 25&nbsp;evacuation centres were initially opened,<ref name="RestrictedMovement">{{cite news |last1=Krishant |first1=Naveel |title=Restricted movement for Viti Levu confirmed by NDMO |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Restricted-movement-for-Viti-Levu-confirmed-by-NDMO-xrf485/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> with 22 in the Western Division and 3 in the Central Division; at least 2,146&nbsp;people sought shelter in the centres.<ref name="25EvacCentres">{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Indra |title=25 evacuation centers activated |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-harold/25-evacuation-centers-activated/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> The number of shelters and evacuees increased during and after Harold's passage; over 6,000&nbsp;people sought refuge at 197&nbsp;evacuation centres, with at least two in each of Fiji's four districts.<ref name="1700PeopleEvacuation">{{cite news |last1=Turaga |first1=Semi |title=More than 1,700 people in evacuation centres |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/More-than-1700-people-in-evacuation-centres-rxf584/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Snapshot9April">{{cite web |title=Fiji: Tropical Cyclone Harold Humanitarian Snapshot (As of 9 April 2020) |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/fiji-tropical-cyclone-harold-humanitarian-snapshot-9-april-2020|via=ReliefWeb |publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs |access-date=April 10, 2020 |date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> All village headmen and community leaders were directed to evacuate their people to safety.<ref name="NDMOCommunityLeaders">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: NDMO urges headmen and community leaders to evacuate |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-ndmo-urges-headmen-and-community-leaders-to-evacuate/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> The Kadavu Provincial Council warned Kadavu residents to seek higher ground.<ref name="KadavuVillagersWarned">{{cite news |last1=Vakasukawaqa |first1=Arieta |title=STC Harold: Kadavu villagers warned to move to higher ground |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-move-to-higher-ground-kadavu-residents-warned/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Viti Levu was placed under a restriction of movement order on April&nbsp;8, ensuring that only emergency services would be on the roads;<ref name="RestrictionMovementVitiLevu">{{cite news |last1=Boyle |first1=Maggie |title=Restriction of Movement on Viti Levu to remain until 8pm |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-harold/restriction-of-movement-on-viti-levu-to-remain-until-8pm/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> this order was lifted later that day.<ref name="RestrictionsLifted">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: Movement restrictions lifted |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-movement-restrictions-lifted/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> The director of the Fijian Ministry of Fisheries, Mere Lakeba, advised aquaculture farmers to reduce water usage and boaters to move their vessels to safety.<ref name="StakeholdersUrged">{{cite news |last1=Swami |first1=Nasik |title=STC Harold: Stakeholders urged to prepare for cyclone |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-stakeholders-urged-to-prepare-for-cyclone/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Maritime clearances were indefinitely terminated for all ships by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, apart from evacuating ships.<ref name="MSAFAdvisesMariners">{{cite news |last1=Deo |first1=Rohit |title=MSAF advises mariners as Severe TC Harold approaches |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/msaf-advises-mariners-severe-tc-harold-approaches/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> All Land Transport Authority offices were closed.<ref name="LTAOffices">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: All LTA offices close; Staff advised to stay home |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-all-lta-offices-close-staff-advised-to-stay-home/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Non-essential civil servants were directed to stay home.<ref name="NonEssentialCivilServants">{{cite news |last1=Sesu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: All non-essential civil servants to stay home from tomorrow |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-all-non-essential-civil-servants-to-stay-home-from-tomorrow/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> On April&nbsp;7, ] moved some of its larger aircraft to ] to avoid storm damage. Fiji Airways flights carrying evacuees departed for ] and ].<ref name="FijiAirwaysMove">{{cite news |last1=Naikaso |first1=Filipe |title=Fiji Airways to move few airplanes overseas amid TC Harold |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/natural-disaster/fiji-airways-to-move-few-airplanes-overseas-amid-tc-harold/ |access-date=April 6, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Limited |date=April 7, 2020 |location=Suva, Fiji}}</ref><ref name="FijiAirwaysStored">{{cite news |last1=Nasiko |first1=Repeka |title=STC Harold: Fiji Airways stored away aircrafts &#91;sic&#93; ahead of cyclone |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-fiji-airways-stored-away-aircrafts-ahead-of-cyclone/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref>
Fijian soldiers and police were dispatched to clear debris following the storm.<ref name="SoldiersAssist">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Vijay |title=Soldiers assist in clearing debris in areas |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Soldiers-assist-in-clearing-debris-in-areas-4rxf85/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> The ] pledged A$350,000 in aid to Fiji for Harold relief efforts.<ref name="AustraliaPledgesFiji">{{cite news |last1=Krishant |first1=Naveel |title=Australia pledges support to Fiji’s relief efforts after TC Harold |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Australia-pledges-support-to-Fijis-relief-efforts-after-TC-Harold-x4fr58/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> The ], Jonathan Curr, pledged humanitarian and disaster and relief for Fiji from New Zealand.<ref name="NZCommitsFiji">{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Indra |title=New Zealand commits to helping Fiji |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/new-zealand-commits-to-helping-fiji/ |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref>

Early on April&nbsp;7, villagers in the ] and ] groups began to feel some early effects from the storm, including gusty winds, moderate coastal flooding, and storm surge. The ] (village chief) advised all villagers on Malolo to stay inside and remain alert at all times throughout the day.<ref>{{cite news |title=Malolo and Yasawa Islands brace for TC Harold |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/natural-disaster/malolo-and-yasawa-islands-brace-for-tc-harold/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |publisher=FBC News |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Heavy rainfall flooded several communities across Fiji; flash flood warnings covered all low-lying areas and watersheds throughout the country.<ref name="FloodWarningIssued">{{cite news |last1=Nand |first1=Edwin |title=Flood warning issued |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-harold/flood-warning-issued/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Parts of ], ], and two villages were flooded.<ref name="Naisausau">{{cite news |last1=Nacei |first1=Luke |title=STC Harold: Heavy rain cause flooding at Naisausau Village, Tailevu |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-heavy-rain-cause-flooding-at-naisausau-village-tailevu/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref><ref name="BaTownFlooded">{{cite news |last1=Chand |first1=Anish |title=STC Harold: Parts of Ba town flooded; Flood warning in force for low-lying areas |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-parts-of-ba-town-flooded-flood-warning-in-force-for-low-lying-areas/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Solevu">{{cite news |last1=Nacei |first1=Luke |title=STC Harold: Flooding reported in Solevu Village, Malolo |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-flooding-reported-in-solevu-village-malolo/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref><ref name="FloodingLautoka">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Vijay |title=Flooding in Lautoka |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Flooding-in-Lautoka-f58rx4/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Patients in the main hospital in Lautoka were moved to the ground floor as a precautionary measure.<ref name="LautokaHospital">{{cite news |last1=Nacei |first1=Luke |title=STC Harold: Patients in Lautoka evacuated for precautionary measures |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-patients-in-lautoka-evacuated-for-precautionary-measures/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Police checkpoints were established to restrict travel to Ba due to widespread floods along the Ba River and nearby creeks.<ref name="PartBaFlooded">{{cite news |last1=Nanuqa |first1=Josaia |title=Part of Ba town is flooded |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/part-of-ba-town-is-flooded/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="BaRiver">{{cite news |last1=Nasiko |first1=Repeka |title=STC Harold: Ba river and surrounding creeks burst banks |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-ba-river-and-surrounding-creeks-burst-banks/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Nearly a hundred homes in Qauia, ], were affected by flooding.<ref name="QauiaAffected">{{cite news |last1=Krishant |first1=Naveel |title=Qauia in Lami affected by rising flood waters |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Qauia-in-Lami-affected-by-rising-flood-waters-f48rx5/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Roads were blocked by fallen trees, floodwaters, and landslides.<ref name="FloodingFallenTrees">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: Several roads closed; Flooding and fallen trees reported |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-several-roads-closed-flooding-and-fallen-trees-reported/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Landslip">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: Landslip at Dilkusha; Motorists advised to take alternative routes |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-landslip-at-dilkusha-motorists-advised-to-take-alternative-routes/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> The ] overflowed its banks, submerging a highway and a bridge.<ref name="Nasivi">{{cite news |last1=Chand |first1=Anish |title=STC Harold: Tavua's Nasivi river breaks it bank |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-tavuas-nasivi-river-breaks-it-bank/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Sections of Queens and Kings highways were closed due to obstructions.<ref name="QueensKingsHighway">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Vijay |title=Queen's and King's highways closed in certain areas |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Queens-and-Kings-highways-closed-in-certain-areas--45fxr8/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Nine houses were razed in ], injuring several people.<ref name="NineHousesTailevu">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: Nine houses destroyed and several injured in Tailevu; Police team deployed |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-nine-houses-destroyed-and-several-injured-in-tailevu-police-team-deployed/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Tailevu North College and homes in Tailevu lost parts of their roofs.<ref name="TailevuNorthCollege">{{cite news |last1=Danford |first1=Iva |title=Tailevu North College partially damaged due to strong winds experienced this morning |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Tailevu-North-College-partially-damaged-due-to-strong-winds-experienced-this-morning-5fr84x/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Crops were uprooted from farms by the winds.<ref name="LawakiVillage">{{cite news |last1=Naivalurua |first1=Navitalai |title=TC Harold damage houses and crops in Lawaki Village, Tailevu |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/TC-Harold-damage-houses-and-crops-in-Lawaki-Village-Tailevu-f5x48r/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> In ], winds reached {{convert|95|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} and electricity was cut.<ref name="RakesFiji" /><ref name="StrongWindRainPickup">{{cite news |last1=Filipe |first1=Naikaso |title=Strong wind and rain pick up in Nadi |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/natural-disaster/strong-wind-and-rain-pick-up-in-nadi/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Power outages stemming from downed power poles and lines affected much of Fiji's ] and ] divisions.<ref name="PowerOutageCentralWestern">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: Power outage in Central and Western divisions caused by fallen poles |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-power-outage-in-central-and-western-divisions-caused-by-fallen-poles/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Power company Energy Fiji Limited described the damage to its power lines as "significant".<ref name="SignificantEFL">{{cite news |last1=Turaga |first1=Semi |title=EFL confirms significant damages to power lines |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/EFL-confirms-significant-damages-to-power-lines-58f4rx/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Houses in ] were damaged by strong winds and most parts of the city were left without power.<ref name="NabituSigatoka">{{cite news |last1=Danford |first1=Iva |title=Some houses in Nabitu, Sigatoka damaged |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Some-houses-in-Nabitu-Sigatoka-damaged-f85r4x/|access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="SigatokaStrongWind">{{cite news |last1=Nanuqa |first1=Josaia |title=Sigatoka currently experiencing strong wind |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/sigatoka-currently-experiencing-strong-wind/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> A tornado struck Vusuya, ] on the morning of April&nbsp;8, unroofing homes, uprooting trees, and felling power poles;<ref name="TornadoNausori">{{cite news |last1=Vacala |first1=Kelly |title=Police deployed to Nausori following tornado claims |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-harold/police-deployed-to-nausori-following-tornado-claims/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> fifteen houses were badly damaged and two people were injured.<ref name="TwoInjuredVusuya">{{cite news |last1=Turuga |first1=Semi |last2=Krishant |first2=Naveel |title=Two injured in Vusuya |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Two-injured-in-Vusuya-845rfx/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="TornadoesFromHarold">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Vijay |title=Tornadoes from TC Harold Affect Nakasi and Nausori Bhawani Dayal Arya College's double storey classroom block roof and other houses significantly damaged |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Tornadoes-from-TC-Harold-Affect-Nakasi-and-Nausori--4x85fr/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Seven houses and a school were unroofed by another tornado in ].<ref name="FeederRoad">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Vijay |title=Bhawani Dayal School Block roof blown away while houses in Nakasi badly damaged Some people injured at Momi Feeder Rd in Nausori |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Bhawani-Dayal-School-Block-roof-blown-away-while-houses-in-Nakasi-badly-damaged-Some-people-injured-at-Momi-Feeder-Rd-in-Nausori-xfr485/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="TornadoesFromHarold" /> Nine homes in Narere, ] were damaged by a third tornado produced by Harold.<ref name="NavosaiResidentTornado">{{cite news |last1=Kumar |first1=Vishaal |title=STC Harold: Navosai resident claim tornado damaged their homes |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-navosai-resident-claim-tornado-damaged-their-homes/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Low-lying areas of ] were inundated along the coastal waterfront.<ref name="LowlyingSava">{{cite news |last1=Chaudhary |first1=Felix |title=STC Harold: Low-lying areas in Suva experience flooding |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-low-lying-areas-in-suva-experience-flooding/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> About ten homes in the city were destroyed.<ref name="BattersFijiFlattening">{{cite news |title=Cyclone Harold batters Fiji, flattening homes and flooding towns |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/cyclone-harold-batters-fiji-flattening-homes-flooding-towns-200408060543606.html |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=Al Jazeera |publisher=Al Jazeera Media Network |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Metal and aluminum pipes from a skyscraper undergoing construction in Suva fell onto the adjacent roads and properties.<ref name="WGFriendship">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Vijay |last2=Danford |first2=Iva |title=Stay away from incomplete WG Friendship Plaza on McGregor Road |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Stay-away-from-incomplete-WG-Friendship-Plaza-on-McGregor-Road-48x5fr/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Heavy rain and strong winds extended into the Northern Division, downing trees and signage.<ref name="GustyWindsNorthernDivision">{{cite news |last1=Turagaiviu |first1=Elenoa |title=Gusty winds experienced in the Northern Division |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-harold/gusty-winds-experienced-in-the-northern-division/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Cassava, plantain, and banana plantations sustained losses due to strong winds in Kubulau, ].<ref name="FallenTreesCropDamage">{{cite news |last1=Turagaiviu |first1=Elenoa |title=Fallen trees and crop damage in Bua |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-harold/fallen-trees-and-crop-damage-in-bua/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Communications were lost in the Kadavu and the Lau islands, where many buildings were damaged.<ref name="CurrentlyAffectingLau" /><ref name="TCHaroldLeftMassiveKadavu">{{cite news |last1=Waqairadovu |first1=Apenisa |title=TC Harold left massive destruction in Naioti, Kadavu |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/natural-disaster/tc-harold-left-massive-destruction-in-naioti-kadavu/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref><ref name="TwoVillagesOnoKadavu">{{cite news |last1=Naqelevuki |first1=Vilimaina |title=STC Harold: Homes destroyed in two villages on Ono, Kadavu |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-homes-destroyed-in-two-villages-on-ono-kadavu/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> Approximately 50&nbsp;homes were destroyed in Ono-i-Lau, which was {{cvt|63|km}} away from the center of Harold at its closest approach.<ref name="50HomesOnoILau">{{cite news |last1=Biudole |first1=Noa |title=STC Harold: About 50 homes destroyed, damaged in Ono-i-Lau |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-about-50-homes-destroyed-damaged-in-ono-i-lau/ |access-date=April 10, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> Widespread damage was reported in ].<ref name="CurrentlyAffectingLau">{{cite news |last1=Krishant |first1=Naveel |title=Category 4 TC Harold continues to move east-southeast direction and currently affecting Lau Group |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Category-4-TC-Harold-continues-to-move-east-southeast-direction-and-currently-affecting-Lau-Group-8f5r4x/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> Farms and crops were damaged in ].<ref name="LomalomaVillage">{{cite news |last1=Naivalurua |first1=Navitalai |title=Lomaloma Village in Vanuabalavu has experienced storm surges with strong winds |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Lomaloma-Village-in-Vanuabalavu-have-experienced-storm-surges-with-strong-winds-8fxr45/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> In Bulia, Kadavu, around 20&nbsp;homes were damaged, including newly built houses.<ref name="Category5HaroldContinues">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Vijay |last2=Turaga |first2=Semi |last3=Danford |first3=Iva |last4=Krishant |first4=Naveel |last5=Kumar |first5=Rahsika |last6=Naivalurua |first6=Navitalai |title=Category 5 TC Harold continues to move in the east-southeast direction and away from Fiji group |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/TC-Harold-intensifies-into-Category-5-system-and-continues-to-move-in-the-east-southeast-direction-and-affecting-the-Lau-Group-4f5x8r/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> In total, 26&nbsp;people were injured across Fiji,<ref name="26Fijians">{{cite news |last1=Nand |first1=Edwin |title=26 Fijians sustain injuries during TC Harold |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-harold/26-fijians-sustain-injuries-during-tc-harold/ |access-date=April 10, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> and one died.<ref>{{Cite news|title=STC Harold: Fiji records first fatality|url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-fiji-records-first-fatality/|last=Susu|first=Aqela|date=April 11, 2020|access-date=April 11, 2020|work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited}}</ref> Power remained yet to be restored for 80% of the affected homes by April 11, 3 days after the first impacts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/414029/thousands-in-fiji-without-power-after-cyclone-harold|title=Thousands in Fiji without power after Cyclone Harold|date=2020-04-11|website=] |language=en-nz|access-date=2020-04-11}}</ref>

Damage caused by Harold in the agricultural and educational industry of Fiji totaled up to FJD$28.4 million (US$12.5 million), but the toll of infrastructural damage remained unknown.<ref name="HaroldSituationReport9" /> 1,919 buildings in Fiji were damaged by Harold and 575 were destroyed, mainly in the ].<ref name="HaroldSituationReport9" />


===Tonga=== ===Tonga===
The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in Tonga was activated on April&nbsp;7 as Harold was forecast to track into Tongan waters within two days.<ref name="HaroldHeadingTonga">{{cite news |title=Severe TC Harold heading Tonga’s way |url=https://matangitonga.to/2020/04/07/severe-tc-harold-heading-tonga-s-way |accessdate=April 7, 2020 |work=Matangi Tonga Online |publisher=Vava'u Press |date=April 7, 2020 |location=Nuku'alofa, Tonga}}</ref> Heavy rain warnings and flash flood advisories were issued for ], ], ], and ],<ref name="AlertInForce">{{cite news |title=Tropical Cyclone Alert in force |url=https://matangitonga.to/2020/04/07/tropical-cyclone-alert-force |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=Matangi Tonga Online |publisher=Vava'u Press |date=April 7, 2020 |location=Nuku'alofa, Tonga}}</ref> with additional warnings for high winds covering the same areas in addition to other outlying islands.<ref name="StormForceWarning">{{cite news |title=Storm force warning as severe TC Harold nears Tonga |url=https://matangitonga.to/2020/04/08/storm-force-warning-severe-tc-harold-tonga |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=Matangi Tonga Online |publisher=Vava'u Press |date=April 8, 2020 |location=Nuku'alofa, Tonga}}</ref> Commercial banks in Tonga closed on April&nbsp;9, with normal operations expected to return on April&nbsp;14.<ref name="LocalBanksClose">{{cite news |title=Local banks close due to severe Tropical Cyclone |url=https://matangitonga.to/2020/04/08/tonga-banks-close |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=Matangi Tonga Online |publisher=Vava'u Press |date=April 8, 2020 |location=Nuku'alofa, Tonga}}</ref> Police advised residents to seek shelter if necessary and to avoid ]'s central business district.<ref name="TongansPrepare">{{cite news |title=Tongans prepare for Cyclone Harold |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413804/tongans-prepare-for-cyclone-harold |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |work=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref>. An extreme high tide warning-—the highest level of tide warning possible in Tonga— was issued for the Tonga coastal waters in the approach of Harold, also coinciding with a ], which were predicted to cause possibly the highest tides near Tonga for 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Extreme high tide warning for Tonga as cyclone coincides with king tide and supermoon |url=https://matangitonga.to/2020/04/08/extreme-high-tide-warning-tonga-cyclone-coincides-king-tide-and-supermoon |accessdate=April 8, 2020 |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in Tonga was activated on April&nbsp;7 as Harold was forecast to track into Tongan waters within two days.<ref name="HaroldHeadingTonga">{{cite news |title=Severe TC Harold heading Tonga's way |url=https://matangitonga.to/2020/04/07/severe-tc-harold-heading-tonga-s-way |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=Matangi Tonga Online |publisher=Vava'u Press |date=April 7, 2020 |location=Nuku'alofa, Tonga}}</ref> Heavy rain warnings and flash flood advisories were issued for ], ], ], and ],<ref name="AlertInForce">{{cite news |title=Tropical Cyclone Alert in force |url=https://matangitonga.to/2020/04/07/tropical-cyclone-alert-force |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=Matangi Tonga Online |publisher=Vava'u Press |date=April 7, 2020 |location=Nuku'alofa, Tonga}}</ref> with additional warnings for high winds covering the same areas in addition to other outlying islands.<ref name="StormForceWarning">{{cite news |title=Storm force warning as severe TC Harold nears Tonga |url=https://matangitonga.to/2020/04/08/storm-force-warning-severe-tc-harold-tonga |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=Matangi Tonga Online |publisher=Vava'u Press |date=April 8, 2020 |location=Nuku'alofa, Tonga}}</ref> Commercial banks in Tonga closed on April&nbsp;9, with normal operations expected to return on April&nbsp;14.<ref name="LocalBanksClose">{{cite news |title=Local banks close due to severe Tropical Cyclone |url=https://matangitonga.to/2020/04/08/tonga-banks-close |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=Matangi Tonga Online |publisher=Vava'u Press |date=April 8, 2020 |location=Nuku'alofa, Tonga}}</ref> Police advised residents to seek shelter if necessary and to avoid ]'s central business district.<ref name="TongansPrepare">{{cite news |title=Tongans prepare for Cyclone Harold |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413804/tongans-prepare-for-cyclone-harold |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=] |publisher=] |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> An extreme high tide warning, the highest level of tide warning possible in Tonga, was issued for Tonga's coastal waters as Harold approached, also coinciding with a ], which were predicted to cause possibly the highest tides near Tonga for 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Extreme high tide warning for Tonga as cyclone coincides with king tide and supermoon |url=https://matangitonga.to/2020/04/08/extreme-high-tide-warning-tonga-cyclone-coincides-king-tide-and-supermoon |access-date=April 8, 2020 |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref>

Power outages began affecting parts of Tonga due to falling trees caused by the storm on April&nbsp;9.<ref name="DestroysResortsTonga" /> The center of Harold passed {{convert|90|–|100|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Tongatapu, lashing Tonga with heavy rains and wind; a peak gust of {{cvt|80|km/h}} was registered at ].<ref name="NoLivesLost" /><ref name="TongaRecovering">{{cite news |title=Tonga recovering from Cyclone Harold |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413879/tonga-recovering-from-cyclone-harold |access-date=April 10, 2020 |work=] |publisher=] |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> Damage to food crops and water supplies occurred in 'Eua and Tongatapu.<ref name="ECHOFlashApr10" /> Storm surge, reaching {{cvt|0.86|m}} above king tide,<ref name="NoLivesLost">{{cite news |title=No lives lost during Severe TC Harold |url=https://matangitonga.to/2020/04/10/no-lives-losttc-harold |access-date=April 10, 2020 |work=Matangi Tonga Online |publisher=Vava'u Press |date=April 10, 2020 |location=Nuku'alofa, Tonga}}</ref> inundated coastal extents of Tongatapu,<ref name="EuaDevastated">{{cite report|title='Eua devastated after TC Harold |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/tonga/eua-devastated-after-tc-harold|via=ReliefWeb |publisher=Government of Tonga |access-date=April 10, 2020 |date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> with their greatest impacts on the island's central and western shores.<ref name="ECHOFlashApr10">{{cite report|title=Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga - Tropical Cyclone HAROLD update (DG ECHO, UN OCHA, NEMO/MORDI-NGOs) (ECHO Daily Flash of 10 April 2020) |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/vanuatu-fiji-tonga-tropical-cyclone-harold-update-dg-echo-un-ocha-nemomordi-ngos-echo|via=ReliefWeb |publisher=European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations |access-date=April 10, 2020 |date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> Three tourist resorts west of Nuku'alofa were destroyed; their beach-side cottages, events complexes, and residences were razed by the surge.<ref name="DestroysResortsTonga">{{cite news |title=Pacific's monster storm Harold destroys tourist resorts in Tonga |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/pacific-monster-storm-harold-destroys-tourist-resorts-tonga-200409060320455.html |access-date=April 9, 2020 |work=Al Jazeera |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref><ref name="PopularBeachResort">{{cite news |last1=Hopgood |first1=Sela Jane |title=Popular beach resort in Tonga severely damaged by Cyclone Harold |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413927/popular-beach-resort-in-tonga-severely-damaged-by-cyclone-harold |access-date=April 9, 2020 |work=] |publisher=] |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref><ref name="SunsetCoastBeaches">{{cite news |title=TC Harold demolishes Sunset Coast beach resorts |url=https://matangitonga.to/2020/04/10/tc-harold-demolishes-sunset-coast-beach-resorts |access-date=April 10, 2020 |work=Mahatangi Tonga Online |publisher=Vava'u Press |date=April 10, 2020 |location=Nuku'alofa, Tonga}}</ref> Of the islands, 'Eua was most badly affected, with serious damage wrought to its wharf. Some houses were unroofed and electricity was lost throughout the island.<ref name="EuaDevastated" /> Casualties were reported in the kingdom on April 10, although cut communications by the storm prevented confirmation of them.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/world/reports-casualties-in-tonga-after-cyclone-harold-tears-through-pacific|title=Reports of casualties in Tonga after Cyclone Harold tears through Pacific|work=TVNZ|access-date=2020-04-10|language=en-NZ}}</ref> Farther inland, vegetation and crops were damaged by the storm.<ref name="SunsetCoastBeaches" /> On April 23, Tonga's Minister of Finance revealed that the total Damages from Cyclone Harold in Tonga is estimated to in excess of US$111&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/415062/cyclone-harold-said-to-cost-tonga-more-than-us111m|title = Cyclone Harold said to cost Tonga more than $US111m|website = ]|date = April 24, 2020}}</ref>

==Aftermath==
]
The ] enacted for Vanuatu for the ] was extended to bolster the government response to Harold's aftermath.<ref name="SOEExtended">{{cite news |last1=Roberts |first1=Anita |title=SOE to be extended to respond to TC Harold |url=https://dailypost.vu/news/soe-to-be-extended-to-respond-to-tc-harold/article_85a61a92-791c-11ea-951d-73e4224c4fd2.html |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=Daily Post |publisher=Vanuatu Daily Post |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="CrisisManagement">{{cite news |last1=Blades |first1=Johnny |title=Crisis management the priority amid Vanuatu govt negotiations |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/413759/crisis-management-the-priority-amid-vanuatu-govt-negotiations |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=] |publisher=] |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Recovery efforts were estimated to last 12&nbsp;months, with the longetivity due in part to the concurrent coronavirus crisis.<ref name="COVID19Frustrates">{{cite news |last1=Walden |first1=Max |last2=Graue |first2=Catherine |title=Australian aid to help Cyclone Harold relief efforts as COVID-19 frustrates response |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-08/cyclone-harold-batters-vanuatu-heads-for-fiji/12131814 |access-date=April 10, 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> ] launched a disaster response team to assess and aid in repairing damage across Vanuatu's ] just hours after the first impacts from Harold, doubling down on COVID-19 aid as well.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oxfam coordinates response as Cyclone Harold hits Vanuatu |url=https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/oxfam-coordinates-response-cyclone-harold-hits-vanuatu |website=Oxfam International |date=April 6, 2020 |publisher=Oxfam |access-date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> ] prepared relief materials on the islands for distribution to affected children.<ref name="SaveTheChildren">{{cite news |title=Save the Children ready to help as Cyclone Harold bears down on Vanuatu |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/world/save-children-ready-help-cyclone-harold-bears-down-vanuatu |access-date=April 6, 2020 |work=1 News |publisher=TVNZ |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> The Vanuatu Red Cross Society was joined by Red Cross societies from Fiji and the Solomon Islands.<ref name="FijiRedCrossWorks">{{cite news |last1=Susu |first1=Aqela |title=STC Harold: Fiji Red Cross works with Vanuatu and Solomon counterparts |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-fiji-red-cross-works-with-vanuatu-and-solomon-counterparts/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Stockpiled emergency kits were distributed by the Vanuatu Catholic Church for those affected.<ref name="HaroldHitsPacific" /> Lisa Faerua, the country director for Oxfam, stated that recovery from the storm could take up to a year, which would likely be delayed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vanuatu faces 12-month recovery as Cyclone Harold heads for Fiji |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-08/cyclone-harold-batters-vanuatu-heads-for-fiji/12131814 |access-date=April 8, 2020 |publisher=ABC News (Australia) |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> Relief supplies shipped to Vanuatu were required to be quarantined for seven days before distribution on the islands.<ref name="CouldCauseCoronavirusEmergency">{{cite news |title=Vanuatu needs aid after Cyclone Harold, but there are fears it could cause a coronavirus emergency |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/vanuatu-needs-aid-after-cyclone-harold-but-there-are-fears-it-could-cause-a-coronavirus-emergency |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=SBS News |publisher=Special Broadcasting Service |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> A ] surveillance plane was sent by the ] (NZDF) to determine where humanitarian assistance could be prioritized.<ref name="HaroldDevastationRevealed" /><ref name="NewZealandProvideAssistance">{{cite web |title=New Zealand to provide assistance to Vanuatu following Tropical Cyclone Harold |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/new-zealand-provide-assistance-vanuatu-following-tropical-cyclone-harold|via=ReliefWeb |publisher=Government of New Zealand |access-date=April 8, 2020 |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> An NZDF ] was assigned to deliver a helicopter to Vanuatu to support relief efforts and carry out medical supplies.<ref name="FurtherAssistanceForVanuatu">{{cite web |title=Further assistance for Vanuatu following Tropical Cyclone Harold |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/further-assistance-vanuatu-following-tropical-cyclone-harold|via=ReliefWeb |publisher=Government of New Zealand |access-date=April 10, 2020 |date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> New Zealand foreign minister ] funded US$485,000 (NZ$500,000) to the Government of Vanuatu to help aid recovery following the storm on April&nbsp;8.<ref name="HaroldDevastationRevealed" /><ref>{{cite news |title=New Zealand to provide surveillance and funding to cyclone-hit Vanuatu |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12322989 |access-date=April 8, 2020 |publisher=nzherald |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Total direct contributions from New Zealand to Vanuatu amounted to US$1.52&nbsp;million (NZ$2.5&nbsp;million).<ref name="FurtherAssistanceForVanuatu" /> Australia's assistance package to Vanuatu included logistical, health, education, and policing support for government and non-government agencies.<ref name="ReynoldsImmediateResponse">{{cite web |last1=Reynolds |first1=Linda |title=Immediate response to Tropical Cyclone Harold |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/immediate-response-tropical-cyclone-harold|via=ReliefWeb |publisher=Government of Australia |access-date=April 10, 2020 |date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> An ] plane was sent to northern Vanuatu to send supplies to impacted areas on April 9.<ref name="AustraliaAidVanuatu">{{cite news |title=Australian aid to help Cyclone Harold relief efforts as COVID-19 frustrates response |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-10/adf-plane-to-deliver-relief-to-vanuatu-after-cyclone-harold/12140456 |access-date=April 10, 2020 |agency=ABC News (Australia) |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> France sent tents, shelter kits, kitchen sets and jerry cans to the country under request of ]'s government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/vanuatu-fiji-tonga-tropical-cyclone-harold-update-dg-echo-un-ocha-nemomordi-ngos-echo|title=Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga - Tropical Cyclone HAROLD update (DG ECHO, UN OCHA, NEMO/MORDI-NGOs) (ECHO Daily Flash of 10 April 2020) - Vanuatu|website=ReliefWeb|date=April 10, 2020 |language=en|access-date=2020-04-11}}</ref> ] estimated around 160,000 people (a little less than half the country's population) were left homeless by the storm, and declared the cyclone as a Category II disaster on their disaster rating scale.<ref name="WorldVisionDeclares">{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldvision.com.au/media-centre/resource/cyclone-harold-leaves-160-000-homeless-cat-ii-disaster-declared|title=Cyclone Harold leaves 160,000 Homeless: CAT II Disaster Declared|website=www.worldvision.com.au|language=en|access-date=2020-04-11}}</ref> They then pledged to donate US$4&nbsp;million (NZ$6.5&nbsp;million) worth of supplies to affected areas.<ref name="WorldVisionDeclares" /> The ] provided a US$2.5&nbsp;million emergency fund to Vanuatu to help ease the crisis, while UN Humanitarian Chief ] stated that it was "especially important" to support Vanuatu at a time when the coronavirus pandemic "touches us all".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/releases-25m-cyclone-ravaged-vanuatu-200414041437506.html|title=UN releases $2.5m to help cyclone-ravaged Vanuatu|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2020-04-16}}</ref> The ] donated US$10 million in emergency funding to Vanuatu on April 27.<ref>{{cite web |title=US$10m Emergency World Bank Funding for Vanuatu |url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/04/27/us10m-emergency-world-bank-funding-for-vanuatu |website=The World Bank |access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref> Between April 25 and 27, the Vanuatu Ministry of Health reported a significant increase in ] and ] cases in ] and ] provinces, believed to be related to the cyclone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://moh.gov.vu/images/TC-Harold/Vanuatu_TC_Harold_NHEOC_SitRep4_27042020.pdf|title=Tropical Cyclone Harold - Vanuatu Ministry Of Health Report #4|date=April 27, 2020|website=Vanuatu Ministry of Health|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref> The agricultural industry of Vanuatu was hit particularly hard, with at least 60% of ]s hosting bananas and coconuts (which together bring in a large majority of ]) were severely damaged according to the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=GIEWS Update - The Republic of Vanuatu, 8 May 2020 |url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ca8977en.pdf |website=ReliefWeb |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations}}</ref>

In Fiji, Fijian soldiers from the ] Third Fiji Infantry and police were dispatched to clear debris following the storm.<ref name="SoldiersAssist">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Vijay |title=Soldiers assist in clearing debris in areas |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Soldiers-assist-in-clearing-debris-in-areas-4rxf85/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="RFMRBattalion">{{cite news |last1=Naqelevuki |first1=Vilimaina |title=STC Harold: RFMF 3FIR battalion begin clearing work |url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-harold-rfmf-3fir-battalion-begin-clearing-work/ |access-date=April 10, 2020 |work=The Fiji Times |publisher=Fiji Times Limited |date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> The ] pledged A$350,000 in aid to Fiji for Harold relief efforts.<ref name="AustraliaPledgesFiji">{{cite news |last1=Krishant |first1=Naveel |title=Australia pledges support to Fiji's relief efforts after TC Harold |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Australia-pledges-support-to-Fijis-relief-efforts-after-TC-Harold-x4fr58/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FijiVillage |publisher=Communications Fiji Limited |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> The ], Jonathan Curr, pledged humanitarian and disaster and relief for Fiji from New Zealand.<ref name="NZCommitsFiji">{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Indra |title=New Zealand commits to helping Fiji |url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/new-zealand-commits-to-helping-fiji/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=FBC News |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref>

===Retirement===
In the 2020 Bureau of Meteorology meeting, the name ''Harold'' was retired after the severe deaths and damage that it caused in the South Pacific basin, and was replaced with ''Heath'' for future seasons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/tropical-cyclone-knowledge-centre/understanding/tc-names/|title=Tropical cyclone names|website=Bureau of Meteorology|access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}} {{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
*] in 1992&nbsp; Hit the same region at a similar intensity *] ]&nbsp; Hit the same region at a similar intensity
*] in 2012&nbsp; Also named by the Australian region and struck southern Vanuatu *] ]&nbsp; Also named by the Australian region and struck southern ]
*] ]&nbsp;– Affected a similar region, and also obtained a similar intensity
*] in 2018&nbsp;— Struck northern Vanuatu
*] in 2015&nbsp;— Stronger cyclone that also impacted ] *] ]&nbsp;– Struck northern Vanuatu
*] ]&nbsp;– The strongest storm observed in the Southern Hemisphere on record, in modern history and also affected a similar region with record strength.
*] in 2016&nbsp;— Stronger cyclone that also impacted ]
*] ]&nbsp;– One of the most powerful recorded storms to make landfall on Fiji
*] * ]


==References== ==References==
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{{SPAC EL's}} {{SPAC EL's}}
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{{Category 1 Australian region tropical cyclones}}
{{Category 5 South Pacific severe tropical cyclones}} {{Category 5 South Pacific severe tropical cyclones}}
{{2019–20 Australian region cyclone season buttons}} {{2019–20 Australian region cyclone season buttons}}
{{2019–20 South Pacific cyclone season buttons}} {{2019–20 South Pacific cyclone season buttons}}
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Latest revision as of 22:32, 30 December 2024

Category 5 South Pacific cyclone in 2020 For other cyclones named Harold or Herold, see List of cyclones named Harold.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold
Infrared satellite image of Harold featuring a clear eye and a large rainband to its southCyclone Harold at peak intensity shortly after crossing Pentecost Island in Vanuatu on April 6
Meteorological history
FormedApril 1, 2020 (April 1, 2020)
ExtratropicalApril 10, 2020
DissipatedApril 11, 2020 (April 11, 2020)
Category 5 severe tropical cyclone
10-minute sustained (FMS)
Highest winds230 km/h (145 mph)
Highest gusts325 km/h (200 mph)
Lowest pressure920 hPa (mbar); 27.17 inHg
Category 5-equivalent tropical cyclone
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds270 km/h (165 mph)
Lowest pressure909 hPa (mbar); 26.84 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities31
Missing22
Damage$124 million (2020 USD)
Areas affectedSolomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata /

Part of the 2019–20 South Pacific cyclone season

Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold was a very powerful tropical cyclone which caused widespread destruction in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Tonga during April 2020. It was the first Category 5 tropical cyclone in 2020. The seventh named storm of the 2019–20 Australian region cyclone season, eighth named storm, and fourth severe tropical cyclone of the 2019–20 South Pacific cyclone season, Harold was first noted as a developing tropical low within a trough of low pressure during April 1, while it was located to the east of Papua New Guinea. Over the next day, the system moved south-eastwards over the Solomon Sea, before it was classified as a tropical cyclone and named Harold by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. The system moved into the Fiji Meteorological Service's area of responsibility on April 2 and began to explosively intensify by April 3, reaching Category 4 status by April 4 on both scales. The next day, it further strengthened into a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone, the highest rating on the Australian scale. It made landfall on Espiritu Santo on April 6 and the next day, strengthening to its peak intensity, attaining Category 5-equivalent intensity on the Saffir–Simpson scale before making landfall on Pentecost Island. Moving east, it weakened below Category 5 intensity on both scales over subsequent days. It regained Category 5 severe tropical cyclone status (on the Australian scale only) while passing south of Fiji, before weakening and becoming extratropical on April 9.

Harold was the first Category 5 severe tropical cyclone to occur in the South Pacific basin since Cyclone Gita in 2018 and was also the second-strongest tropical cyclone to ever affect Vanuatu, behind Cyclone Pam in 2015. In total, 27 people died on the MV Taimareho (in the Solomon Islands), two died in Vanuatu, and one died in Fiji.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key Saffir–Simpson scale   Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown Storm type circle Tropical cyclone square Subtropical cyclone triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On April 1, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) reported that Tropical Low 12U had developed along a trough of low pressure about 825 km (515 mi) to the northeast of Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. The disturbance initially displayed a broad low-level circulation and scattered atmospheric convection, but it was located within a favourable environment for further development, with developing dual-channel outflow, low vertical wind shear, and warm sea surface temperatures of 30 °C (86 °F). Thunderstorm activity began to coalesce about the centre later that day, and a nearby upper-level low directed the system southeast toward the Solomon Islands. Given the increase in organization, the BOM upgraded the storm to a Category 1 tropical cyclone on the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale and named it Harold, before it passed about 135 km (85 mi) to the southeast of Honiara in the Solomon Islands. The United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) also initiated advisories on Tropical Cyclone Harold during that day and designated it as Tropical Cyclone 25P. The system subsequently crossed 160°E, where it moved out of the Australian region and into the South Pacific basin, which prompted the BoM to pass the primary warning responsibility to the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS).

As the storm moved away from the Solomon Islands on April 3, it began to rapidly organize and developed a pinhole eye on microwave imagery. As a result, it was classified as a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone by the FMS at 00:00 UTC on April 4. At this time, Harold was located about 360 km (225 mi) to the northwest of Luganville in Vanuatu, and its southeast movement had slowed significantly as a result of an extension of a subtropical ridge to the storm's east. Later that day, the FMS reported that Harold had become a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone and predicted it to further intensify to Category 5 status, while the system's eye became subsumed into a large mass of atmospheric convection. The JTWC, meanwhile, assessed that Harold had peaked with 1-minute sustained wind speeds of 215 km/h (134 mph), which made it equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS). During April 5, the JTWC reported that the system had begun to weaken, based on the ragged structure of the eye and warming of the cyclone's cloud tops. However, this weakening phase was short-lived as the system regained a 30 km (20 mi) eye and a symmetric central dense overcast, while upper-level outflow remained strong. The FMS subsequently reported that Harold had become a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone with 10-minute sustained winds of 205 km/h (127 mph). At this time, the system was located about 170 km (105 mi) to the west of Luganville and began to move polewards as a subtropical ridge to its northeast became the primary steering mechanism.

Cyclone Harold rapidly intensifying

At around 22:00 UTC on April 5 (10:00 FST, April 6), Harold made landfall on the island of Espiritu Santo in northern Vanuatu, with 10-minute sustained winds of 215 km/h (134 mph). Harold quickly strengthened upon reemerging over water; early the following day, the FMS reported that Harold had peaked in intensity with 10-minute sustained winds of 230 km/h (140 mph), while it was located between the islands of Espiritu Santo and Pentecost, while the JTWC estimated that its 1-minute sustained winds reached 270 km/h (170 mph), which made it equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane on the SSHWS. The system subsequently made landfall on Pentecost, before reemerging into the South Pacific Ocean and weakening. The landfall weakened Harold and the storm began to show signs of weakening: its eye became cloud-filled, cloud tops warmed, convection reduced in extent, and dry air started to wrap into the system. As a result, the FMS reported that the system had weakened into a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone during April 7, before Harold's eye and eyewall became visible on their radar in Nadi. The system subsequently passed within 115 km (70 mi) of Suva in Fiji, before it passed near or over the Kadavu Group of islands. During April 8, the system intensified slightly before the FMS reported that Harold had become a category 5 severe tropical cyclone again, while it was located about 300 km (185 mi) to the north-east of Nuku'alofa on the Tongan island of Tongatapu. As the system continued to move south-eastwards, it passed about 115 km (70 mi) to the south of Nuku'alofa, as it started to weaken and transition into an extratropical cyclone. During the following day, Harold weakened into a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone as it moved into New Zealand's MetService area of responsibility, while strong vertical wind shear caused atmospheric convection to become displaced to the south of its eye. The JTWC subsequently issued its final advisory on Harold, as it was expected to gain frontal characteristics and complete its extratropical transition within 12 hours. MetService subsequently declared Harold to be an extratropical cyclone during April 10, before the system was last noted during the following day around 1,500 km (930 mi) to the southwest of Adamstown in the Pitcairn Islands.

Preparations and impact

Solomon Islands

After Harold developed into a tropical cyclone during April 2, the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service issued a tropical cyclone warning for the whole of the island nation. They warned that the system was expected to produce gale-force winds, rough seas, moderate to heavy swells of 2–4 metres (6.6–13.1 ft) and coastal flooding over the islands. As a result, the SIMS urged sea travellers to consider taking actions to ensure their safety and advised motorists to use extreme caution when travelling. The Royal Solomon Island Police Force recommended elevated caution for commuters and mariners.

An estimated 100,000 to 150,000 people in the Solomon Islands experienced Harold's wind, rain, and storm surge. The National Emergency Operations Center indicated that 57 houses were destroyed and another 20 were damaged. Seven classrooms were also destroyed. Falling trees and branches in Honiara resulted in widespread power outages. The National Referral Hospital in Honiara was among the buildings affected by blackouts. Some fallen trees damaged buildings and blocked roads. The San Isidoro school for the deaf outside Honiara was severely damaged, losing its roof. Heavy rainfall flooded the Kukum Highway in Honiara. A stream swollen from the rains washed out a 3 m (9.8 ft) segment of a bridge connecting parts of northwestern Guadalcanal to Honiara. Dozens of families were forced out of their homes on Guadalcanal. Flooding and fallen trees inflicted damage to buildings in Rennell and Bellona Province as well.

On the night of April 2, the ferry MV Taimareho encountered rough seas and gusts of up to 80 km/h (50 mph) generated by Harold in Ironbottom Sound while en route from Taivu to the Aiarai in West Are 'are in Malaita Province. The ship had been sent to evacuate Malaita residents from Honiara as a precautionary measure, though warnings were in effect advising ships to remain in port. Twenty-seven of the 738 passengers were knocked overboard by the waves and are presumed dead; Taimareho later took refuge in Su'u Harbor in Malaita Province. Planes and ships were dispatched to search for survivors across an area larger than 1,000 km (390 sq mi). Rescue efforts were initially hampered by the inclement conditions; one rescue helicopter could not fly as its second pilot was quarantined. Two bodies were found off the southern coat of Malaita Province, localizing the search region; five further bodies were recovered on 6 April. The Solomon Islands government launched two investigations into the maritime incident, involving a formal inquiry conducted by the Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration and a criminal investigation. At least two ships were washed ashore by the storm. Heavy rains from Harold washed out much of the plains in Guadalcanal, reducing the area's food security. The government of Australia donated US$60,000 in relief funds to the Solomon Islands.

Vanuatu

Satellite image of Harold exhibiting an eye and rainbands
Harold nearing its first landfall on Espiritu Santo on April 5

On April 3, the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (VNDMO) issued a yellow alert—indicating the threat of a tropical cyclone within 12 hours—for Torba and Sanma provinces in Vanuatu. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department also issued a tropical cyclone warning for these areas. The yellow alert was upgraded to a red alert—the highest-level warning for Vanuatu—on April 4 following the upgrading of Harold to a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone, while yellow alerts were also issued for Malampa and Penama provinces. Red alerts eventually encompassed Malampa, Penama, Sanma, and Torba provinces, with a yellow alert for Shefa Province. The VNDMO advised for all residents under the red alert to remain indoors. Normal activities were suspended to facilitate preparations and evacuations for Harold. Several evacuation centers were set up for those seeking safe housing as the storm approached.

Hundreds of people evacuated to shelters in Espiritu Santo; disrupted communications in rural areas made estimates difficult, though an official with the Vanuatu Red Cross Society estimated as many as 1,000 people were housed in evacuation centres. On April 5, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) granted 50,000 CHF from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to the Vanuatu Red Cross Society to help better position staff and aid resources prior to the storm's arrival, mobilizing over a thousand volunteers. Preparing for the storm in Luganville, hundreds of people were sent into evacuation centres before the storm. The Torba provincial headquarters in Sola served as a shelter for families. Development organisation Oxfam Australia coordinated with Vanuatuan agencies to develop a response plan for Harold. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also devised a support package for both the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Harold was the first Category 5 severe tropical cyclone on the Australian scale to strike Vanuatu since Cyclone Pam in 2015, bringing gusts above 275 km/h (171 mph) and 250–450 mm (9.8–17.7 in) of rain. Approximately a third of Vanuatu's population was said to have been impacted by the storm across seven islands. Communications were lost in most of the affected areas, particularly in Vanuatu's northern provinces. Telecommunications company Vodafone reported loss of contact with the Banks Islands, Espiritu Santo, Malakula, and Pentecost Island. Connections were reestablished in the hardest-hit areas two days after Harold made landfall. Beginning prior to landfall, the cyclone's slow movement west of Vanuatu drew in copious moisture, resulting in heavy rainfall. Flash flooding forced people to evacuate their homes for higher ground in Espiritu Santo and damaged roads in Penama. On the island of Malakula, rivers overflowed their banks and inundated gardens. Farther south, Aneityum recorded 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain.

Animation of infrared satellite imagery showing Cyclone Harold intensifying quickly as it moved through Vanuatu
Harold moving through Vanuatu throughout April 5 and 6

Modelling from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre suggested that storm surge heights peaked at 0.8 m (2.6 ft) in Vanuatu. Damage was extensive in Espiritu Santo where Harold first made landfall. Ships were grounded on the shores of the island by the rough seas. Extensive defoliation and flooding occurred across northern Vanuatu. Water shortages and power outages began affecting Luganville, Espiritu Santo's largest city, prior to Harold's landfall. Heavy rainfall also threatened the contamination of Luganville's water supplies and washing out crops and roads, especially in low-lying areas. As the cyclone made landfall and moved through the city on April 6, the winds unroofed homes and downed trees. Some buildings were flattened by the storm, with one reduced to its foundation. Approximately 50–70 percent of buildings in the city were damaged; about half of homes suffered significant damage. Luganville Mayor Peter Patty stated “We are badly affected. We urgently need water, food and shelter at the moment. Many have lost their homes. Schools are destroyed. Electricity is down. I'm urgently calling for help. This is one of the worst experiences of my life.” following the storm. Further torrential rainfall flooded roadways. Luganville's municipal council building was destroyed. Communications with the city were disrupted as the storm swept through, and the city was further isolated from the rest of Espiritu Santo by floods, debris, and landslides. Mayor of the sister city to Luganville, Mont-Dore in New Caledonia, promised to help bring supplies and "exceptional assistance" to help Luganville recover from the devastating cyclone. Buildings were also destroyed across the rest of Sanma Province. Initial reports suggested severe damage was inflicted near Harold's point of landfall in the southwestern part of the province, with some areas experiencing damage to all structures. Shacks along the coast of Espiritu Santo were completely demolished, with some more developed homes unroofed and their walls ripped off or collapsed in. No building or structure was left unscathed in some communities on Malo Island. Two deaths were reported on the island, and many were said to have been injured. More extreme damage was reported in Pentecost, where the storm made its second landfall near peak intensity. Entire villages were reportedly destroyed. Further aerial damage surveys were issued to assess damage on the island. With the health facility Melsisi destroyed and staff housing damaged, the lower floor of another damaged building was used as a temporary medical ward. Damage wrought by Harold was said to have affected fewer areas than that of Cyclone Pam five years prior, but overall damage was deemed significantly worse in some areas, particularly Pentecost. 68% of all structures on Pentecost Island were estimated to have been damaged, while 45% were estimated to have been damaged on Malo Island.

Fiji

Satellite image of Harold with a visible eye and sprawling rainbands
Harold moving across Kadavu on April 8

During April 6, the FMS issued a tropical cyclone alert for Viti Levu, Kadavu, Lomaiviti as well as the Yasawa and Mamanuca and Lau group of islands.

The FMS issued heavy rain alerts for the western half of Viti Levu, Kadavu, and the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands on April 6, anticipating the arrival of Harold's rainbands and its centre's eventual passage south of Fiji. Storm warnings were later put in effect for the areas under a heavy rain alert, in addition to the Lomaiviti Islands; the heavy rain alert was expanded to encompass the entirety of the Fijian islands. The highest warning, a hurricane warning, was issued for Kadavu and Ono-i-Lau on April 7. The Fiji National Disaster Management Office (FDNMO) activated their Emergency Operations Centre to streamline preparations and evacuations. Across Fiji, 25 evacuation centres were initially opened, with 22 in the Western Division and 3 in the Central Division; at least 2,146 people sought shelter in the centres. The number of shelters and evacuees increased during and after Harold's passage; over 6,000 people sought refuge at 197 evacuation centres, with at least two in each of Fiji's four districts. All village headmen and community leaders were directed to evacuate their people to safety. The Kadavu Provincial Council warned Kadavu residents to seek higher ground. Viti Levu was placed under a restriction of movement order on April 8, ensuring that only emergency services would be on the roads; this order was lifted later that day. The director of the Fijian Ministry of Fisheries, Mere Lakeba, advised aquaculture farmers to reduce water usage and boaters to move their vessels to safety. Maritime clearances were indefinitely terminated for all ships by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, apart from evacuating ships. All Land Transport Authority offices were closed. Non-essential civil servants were directed to stay home. On April 7, Fiji Airways moved some of its larger aircraft to New Zealand to avoid storm damage. Fiji Airways flights carrying evacuees departed for Sydney and Los Angeles.

Early on April 7, villagers in the Malolo and Yasawa groups began to feel some early effects from the storm, including gusty winds, moderate coastal flooding, and storm surge. The Turaga-ni-Koro (village chief) advised all villagers on Malolo to stay inside and remain alert at all times throughout the day. Heavy rainfall flooded several communities across Fiji; flash flood warnings covered all low-lying areas and watersheds throughout the country. Parts of Ba, Lautoka, and two villages were flooded. Patients in the main hospital in Lautoka were moved to the ground floor as a precautionary measure. Police checkpoints were established to restrict travel to Ba due to widespread floods along the Ba River and nearby creeks. Nearly a hundred homes in Qauia, Lami, were affected by flooding. Roads were blocked by fallen trees, floodwaters, and landslides. The Nasivi River overflowed its banks, submerging a highway and a bridge. Sections of Queens and Kings highways were closed due to obstructions. Nine houses were razed in Tailevu Province, injuring several people. Tailevu North College and homes in Tailevu lost parts of their roofs. Crops were uprooted from farms by the winds. In Nadi, winds reached 95 km/h (59 mph) and electricity was cut. Power outages stemming from downed power poles and lines affected much of Fiji's Central and Western divisions. Power company Energy Fiji Limited described the damage to its power lines as "significant". Houses in Sigatoka were damaged by strong winds and most parts of the city were left without power. A tornado struck Vusuya, Nausori on the morning of April 8, unroofing homes, uprooting trees, and felling power poles; fifteen houses were badly damaged and two people were injured. Seven houses and a school were unroofed by another tornado in Nakasi. Nine homes in Narere, Nasinu were damaged by a third tornado produced by Harold. Low-lying areas of Suva were inundated along the coastal waterfront. About ten homes in the city were destroyed. Metal and aluminum pipes from a skyscraper undergoing construction in Suva fell onto the adjacent roads and properties. Heavy rain and strong winds extended into the Northern Division, downing trees and signage. Cassava, plantain, and banana plantations sustained losses due to strong winds in Kubulau, Bua District. Communications were lost in the Kadavu and the Lau islands, where many buildings were damaged. Approximately 50 homes were destroyed in Ono-i-Lau, which was 63 km (39 mi) away from the center of Harold at its closest approach. Widespread damage was reported in Dravuni. Farms and crops were damaged in Vanuabalavu. In Bulia, Kadavu, around 20 homes were damaged, including newly built houses. In total, 26 people were injured across Fiji, and one died. Power remained yet to be restored for 80% of the affected homes by April 11, 3 days after the first impacts.

Damage caused by Harold in the agricultural and educational industry of Fiji totaled up to FJD$28.4 million (US$12.5 million), but the toll of infrastructural damage remained unknown. 1,919 buildings in Fiji were damaged by Harold and 575 were destroyed, mainly in the Eastern Division.

Tonga

The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in Tonga was activated on April 7 as Harold was forecast to track into Tongan waters within two days. Heavy rain warnings and flash flood advisories were issued for 'Eua, Ha'apai, Tongatapu, and Vava'u, with additional warnings for high winds covering the same areas in addition to other outlying islands. Commercial banks in Tonga closed on April 9, with normal operations expected to return on April 14. Police advised residents to seek shelter if necessary and to avoid Nuku'alofa's central business district. An extreme high tide warning, the highest level of tide warning possible in Tonga, was issued for Tonga's coastal waters as Harold approached, also coinciding with a king tide, which were predicted to cause possibly the highest tides near Tonga for 2020.

Power outages began affecting parts of Tonga due to falling trees caused by the storm on April 9. The center of Harold passed 90–100 km (56–62 mi) south of Tongatapu, lashing Tonga with heavy rains and wind; a peak gust of 80 km/h (50 mph) was registered at 'Eua Airport. Damage to food crops and water supplies occurred in 'Eua and Tongatapu. Storm surge, reaching 0.86 m (2 ft 10 in) above king tide, inundated coastal extents of Tongatapu, with their greatest impacts on the island's central and western shores. Three tourist resorts west of Nuku'alofa were destroyed; their beach-side cottages, events complexes, and residences were razed by the surge. Of the islands, 'Eua was most badly affected, with serious damage wrought to its wharf. Some houses were unroofed and electricity was lost throughout the island. Casualties were reported in the kingdom on April 10, although cut communications by the storm prevented confirmation of them. Farther inland, vegetation and crops were damaged by the storm. On April 23, Tonga's Minister of Finance revealed that the total Damages from Cyclone Harold in Tonga is estimated to in excess of US$111 million.

Aftermath

Espiritu Santo and Malo Island (left) 2 weeks before Harold, and the same islands (right) 2 weeks after Harold, showing heavy deforestation around the coasts with the previously lush landscape turning brown.

The state of emergency enacted for Vanuatu for the COVID-19 pandemic was extended to bolster the government response to Harold's aftermath. Recovery efforts were estimated to last 12 months, with the longetivity due in part to the concurrent coronavirus crisis. Oxfam Australia launched a disaster response team to assess and aid in repairing damage across Vanuatu's Sanma Province just hours after the first impacts from Harold, doubling down on COVID-19 aid as well. Save the Children prepared relief materials on the islands for distribution to affected children. The Vanuatu Red Cross Society was joined by Red Cross societies from Fiji and the Solomon Islands. Stockpiled emergency kits were distributed by the Vanuatu Catholic Church for those affected. Lisa Faerua, the country director for Oxfam, stated that recovery from the storm could take up to a year, which would likely be delayed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Relief supplies shipped to Vanuatu were required to be quarantined for seven days before distribution on the islands. A P-3 Orion surveillance plane was sent by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to determine where humanitarian assistance could be prioritized. An NZDF C-130 was assigned to deliver a helicopter to Vanuatu to support relief efforts and carry out medical supplies. New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters funded US$485,000 (NZ$500,000) to the Government of Vanuatu to help aid recovery following the storm on April 8. Total direct contributions from New Zealand to Vanuatu amounted to US$1.52 million (NZ$2.5 million). Australia's assistance package to Vanuatu included logistical, health, education, and policing support for government and non-government agencies. An Australian Defence Force plane was sent to northern Vanuatu to send supplies to impacted areas on April 9. France sent tents, shelter kits, kitchen sets and jerry cans to the country under request of Vanuatu's government. World Vision Australia estimated around 160,000 people (a little less than half the country's population) were left homeless by the storm, and declared the cyclone as a Category II disaster on their disaster rating scale. They then pledged to donate US$4 million (NZ$6.5 million) worth of supplies to affected areas. The OCHA provided a US$2.5 million emergency fund to Vanuatu to help ease the crisis, while UN Humanitarian Chief Mark Lowcock stated that it was "especially important" to support Vanuatu at a time when the coronavirus pandemic "touches us all". The World Bank donated US$10 million in emergency funding to Vanuatu on April 27. Between April 25 and 27, the Vanuatu Ministry of Health reported a significant increase in dengue fever and malaria cases in Torba and Sanma provinces, believed to be related to the cyclone. The agricultural industry of Vanuatu was hit particularly hard, with at least 60% of agricultural lands hosting bananas and coconuts (which together bring in a large majority of the country's revenue) were severely damaged according to the FAO.

In Fiji, Fijian soldiers from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Third Fiji Infantry and police were dispatched to clear debris following the storm. The Government of Australia pledged A$350,000 in aid to Fiji for Harold relief efforts. The High Commissioner of New Zealand to Fiji, Jonathan Curr, pledged humanitarian and disaster and relief for Fiji from New Zealand.

Retirement

In the 2020 Bureau of Meteorology meeting, the name Harold was retired after the severe deaths and damage that it caused in the South Pacific basin, and was replaced with Heath for future seasons.

See also

References

  1. "Tropical Cyclone Harold Scraping Parts of Tonga After Hammering Fiji and Vanuatu". The Weather Channel. Archived from the original on February 28, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  2. "Reports of Injuries, Damaged Buildings from Cyclone Harold in Fiji". The Weather Channel. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  3. "Vanuatu Reeling from Category 5 Harold, Now Steaming Toward Fiji". Weather Underground. April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  4. ^ "Australian Tropical Cyclone Database" (CSV). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. June 30, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2023. A guide on how to read the database is available here.
  5. ^ Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans April 1, 2020 06z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. April 1, 2020. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020.
  6. ^ Tropical Cyclone Harold Technical Bulletin April 2, 2020 06z (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. April 2, 2020. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  7. Tropical Cyclone Harold Technical Bulletin April 2, 2020 18:00z (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. April 2, 2020. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  8. Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 1 April 2, 2020 21z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. April 2, 2020. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  9. Tropical Cyclone Harold Technical Bulletin April 3, 2020 00z (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. April 3, 2020. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  10. Tropical Disturbance Advisory A1 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 3, 2020 06z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. April 3, 2020. Archived from the original on April 10, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  11. Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 4 April 3, 2020 15z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. April 3, 2020. Archived from the original on April 10, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  12. ^ Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 6 April 4, 2020 03z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. April 4, 2020. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  13. Tropical Disturbance Advisory A4 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 4, 2020 00z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. April 4, 2020. Archived from the original on April 10, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  14. Tropical Disturbance Advisory A6 for Tropical Cyclone Harold April 4, 2020 12z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. April 3, 2020. Archived from the original on April 10, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  15. ^ Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 8 April 4, 2020 15z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. April 4, 2020. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  16. ^ Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Running Best Track Analysis (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. April 2020.
  17. Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 10 April 5, 2020 03z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. April 5, 2020. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  18. Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 11 April 5, 2020 09z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. April 5, 2020. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  19. ^ Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Warning 13 April 5, 2020 21z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. April 5, 2020. Archived from the original on April 7, 2020. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
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Other systems
Tropical cyclones of the 2019–20 Australian region cyclone season
1Blake 3Claudia TL04U 3Damien TLUesi TL08F 1Esther 4Ferdinand TL09U 1Gretel TL11U 1Harold TL13U TLJeruto TD16U 1Mangga
Tropical cyclones of the 2019–20 South Pacific cyclone season
2Rita DI02F 2Sarai 3Tino DI05F 3Uesi DI07F DI08F 1Vicky 2Wasi 2Gretel 5Harold
Retired Australian region tropical cyclone names
1960s
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