UN assistance

The world body announced Monday $2.5 million from its emergency response fund will be spent to get lifesaving aid to thousands of people in Vanuatu affected by Tropical Cyclone Harold. 

U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock said in a written statement the cyclone “has wreaked havoc in Vanuatu, destroying homes, schools, roads and crops.”

The statement said the funds will enable its agencies to get safe drinking water, food, shelter and health care “where they are most needed.” 

The severe cyclone swept through Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga.

Dozens are believed to have died across the region from the storm which destroyed many homes, buildings and food crops.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his deep solidarity with the people of the Pacific as they faced the impact of the cyclone, along with other climate-related challenges, as well as the coronavirus pandemic, which added a worrying new dimension to existing vulnerabilities, according to a statement.