Children living in the Pacific Islands remain in urgent need in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Harold, a category five cyclone that tore through Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga causing widespread destruction to homes, schools, medical clinics, in addition as damaging food crops and water supplies.
UNICEF is supporting the govt. responses in Vanuatu, Fiji and Solomon Islands to succeed in those children most in need, while facing the extra challenges of the continued preparedness and response efforts for COVID-19.
“It is hard to imagine a more difficult situation, the catastrophe of COVID-19 and the disaster of a category five cyclone all wrapped into one. However, we are here to support, and our work has never been more critical – we will continue to prioritize the needs of all communities, especially children, affected by these dual emergencies,” said UNICEF Pacific Representative Sheldon Yett.
The cyclone has caused massive destruction across the zone, claiming the lives of 31 people. Vanuatu was the foremost affected, with more than a third of the population and over 20,000 children living within the worst affected areas. In Sanma Province, about 90 per cent of the population lost their homes and 60 per cent of educational institutions were damaged.
Access to health services in Vanuatu, difficult under normal conditions with geographical and logistical challenges, are even harder to access following the destruction of roads and damage to health facilities, with many pregnant women now having to give birth at their house.
Local authorities are organizing relief efforts, which come at a very challenging time given the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nicky (4yrs) attempting to remove a nail on one of the fallen post from their damaged home * PHOTO CREDIT – UNICEF
With support from both the Australian government and the European Union to provide air transportation for critically needed supplies, UNICEF continues to work in partnership with the Pacific governments to come up with the assistance to support relief efforts and reach those children most vulnerable after the disaster. Many communities still remain discontinue from assistance because of flooding and destruction of roads. UNICEF is transporting supplies by boat to get to some communities, including to those on Santo and Pentecost, two of the foremost affected islands in Vanuatu.
UNICEF has provided essential water, sanitation and hygiene items including soap, water containers and buckets to make sure children and families have access to pure drinking water with the majority of water infrastructure now destroyed. Emergency health and midwifery kits including basic drugs, medical supplies and equipment have also been delivered to assist the health sector provide critical medical care.
In addition, UNICEF continues to support communities by providing school-in-boxes and babyhood development kits including books, pencils and materials to support learning needs and help children to regain the simplest way of normalcy as soon as possible after the disaster. Tents and tarpaulins provided to communities will assist in restarting children’s learning and provide families with emergency shelter.
