The United Nations stands ready to support four Pacific island nations devastated by the passing of Tropical Cyclone Harold last week.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres was deeply saddened by reports of the loss of lives and destruction in Vanuatu, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Tonga.
The Secretary-General expresses his deep solidarity with the people of the Pacific as they face the impact of this cyclone, along with other climate-related challenges, as well as the coronavirus pandemic, which adds a worrying new dimension to existing vulnerabilities.
The monster storm has left more than two dozen people dead, according to media reports, while homes, buildings and food crops were destroyed.
Thousands urgently need shelter, water, sanitation and food.
The Secretary-General commends the governments and first responders in the affected countries for their pre-emptive work to make people safe ahead of the storm and to meet their immediate needs afterward.
“The United Nations stands ready to support these efforts,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is assisting authorities in Vanuatu, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands to reach those children most in need.
Cyclone Harold hit as countries worldwide are working to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Original source: UN News
Published on 12 April 2020
