Cyclone Harold in Tonga

Tropical Cyclone Harold continued its destructive path by hitting the island of Tonga. Harold had previously tracked across Vanuatu and Fiji. The island of Tonga declared a state of emergency and warned residents to take shelter.

Cyclone Harold gained strength after passing across Fiji hitting Tonga as a category 5 storm with wind speeds of over 150mph.

Power has been cut in parts of Tonga and several tourist areas have been completely destroyed. The Red Cross Vanuatu Secretary-General reported that many buildings and crops have been destroyed and some people in the most-affected areas have lost everything.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused problems with relief efforts as Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga are reluctant to open borders which could compromise coronavirus containment efforts.