:Cyclone Harold

{{for|other cyclones named Harold or Herold|List of cyclones named Harold}}

{{Infobox weather event

| name = Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold

| image = Harold 2020-04-06 1125Z.jpg

| caption = Cyclone Harold shortly after peak intensity shortly after crossing Pentecost Island in Vanuatu on April 6

| alt = Infrared satellite image of Harold featuring a clear eye and a large rainband to its south

| formed = April 1, 2020

| dissipated = April 11, 2020

| extratropical = April 10, 2020

}}{{Infobox weather event/FMS

| winds = 125

| gusts = 175

| pressure = 920

}}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC

| winds = 145

| pressure = 909

}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects

| year = 2020

| damages = 768000000

| damages-suffix =
(Costliest in Vanuatu history)

| fatalities = 31

| missing = 22

| affected = Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga

| refs = {{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}}{{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}}

}}

{{Infobox weather event/Footer

| season = 2019–20 South Pacific and Australian region cyclone seasons

}}

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.{{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}} In total, 27 people died on the MV Taimareho (in the Solomon Islands), two died in Vanuatu, and one died in Fiji. Total damage from the cyclone amounted to $768 million (2020 USD).

__TOC__

Meteorological history

On April 1, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) reported that Tropical Low 12U had developed along a trough of low pressure about {{convert|825|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the northeast of Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.{{BoM TC Database}}{{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}} 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 {{convert|30|C|F|abbr=on}}. 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.{{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}} 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 {{convert|135|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the southeast of Honiara in the Solomon Islands.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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).{{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}}{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}} As a result, it was classified as a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone by the FMS at 00:00 UTC on April 4.{{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}} At this time, Harold was located about {{convert|360|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} 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 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS).{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 25P (Harold) Running Best Track Analysis|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url=https://science.nrlmry.navy.mil/geoips/tcdat/tc2020/SH/SH252020/txt/trackfile.txt|date=April 2020}} 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.{{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}} However, this weakening phase was short-lived as the system regained a {{convert|30|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} eye and a symmetric central dense overcast, while upper-level outflow remained strong.{{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}}{{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}} The FMS subsequently reported that Harold had become a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone with 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|205|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

File:Cyclone Harold rapid intensification.gif

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 {{convert|215|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.{{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}}{{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}} 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 Pentecost, 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 5 hurricane on the SSHWS. The system subsequently made landfall on Pentecost, before reemerging into the South Pacific Ocean and weakening.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} The system subsequently passed within {{convert|115|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} 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 {{convert|300|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the north-east of Nuku'alofa on the Tongan island of Tongatapu.{{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}}{{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}} 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

weaken and transition into an extratropical cyclone.{{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}} 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.{{cite report|date=April 9, 2020|title=Hurricane Warning 121 April 9, 2020 12z|publisher=New Zealand MetService}}{{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}} 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 {{convert|1500|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the southwest of Adamstown in the Pitcairn Islands.{{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}}

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.{{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}} 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 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.{{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 }}

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.{{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}} Falling trees and branches in Honiara resulted in widespread power outages. The National Referral Hospital in Honiara was among the buildings affected by blackouts.{{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}} Some fallen trees damaged buildings and blocked roads.{{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}} The San Isidoro school for the deaf outside Honiara was severely damaged, losing its roof.{{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 |access-date=April 8, 2020 |date=April 7, 2020}} Heavy rainfall flooded the Kukum Highway in Honiara. A stream swollen from the rains washed out a {{cvt|3|m|ft|adj=on}} segment of a bridge connecting parts of northwestern Guadalcanal to Honiara.{{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}} Dozens of families were forced out of their homes on Guadalcanal.{{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=Radio New Zealand |date=April 3, 2020}} Flooding and fallen trees inflicted damage to buildings in Rennell and Bellona Province as well.{{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 }}

On the night of April 2, the ferry MV Taimareho encountered rough seas and gusts of up to {{convert|80|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} generated by Harold in Ironbottom Sound while en route from Taivu to the Aiarai in West Are 'are in Malaita Province.{{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}} The ship had been sent to evacuate Malaita residents from Honiara as a precautionary measure,{{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=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News & Media Limited |date=April 3, 2020}} though warnings were in effect advising ships to remain in port.{{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=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 5, 2020}} Twenty-seven of the 738 passengers were knocked overboard by the waves and are presumed dead;{{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=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=April 6, 2020}}{{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=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=April 3, 2020}}{{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}} Taimareho later took refuge in Su'u Harbor in Malaita Province.{{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}} Planes and ships were dispatched to search for survivors across an area larger than {{cvt|1000|km2}}. 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 5, 2020}} The government of Australia donated US$60,000 in relief funds to the Solomon Islands.{{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=Radio New Zealand |date=April 3, 2020}}

=Vanuatu=

Image:Harold 2020-04-05 2315Z.jpg on April 5|alt=Satellite image of Harold exhibiting an eye and rainbands]]

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.{{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=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 3, 2020}} 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.{{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=RNZ |date=April 4, 2020|publisher=Radio New Zealand }}

{{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}}

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.{{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=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 4, 2020}}{{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}} Several evacuation centers were set up for those seeking safe housing as the storm approached.{{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=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 5, 2020}}{{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=CNN |publisher=Cable News Network |date=April 6, 2020}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

Harold was the first Category 5 severe tropical cyclone on the Australian scale to strike Vanuatu since Cyclone Pam in 2015,{{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}} bringing gusts above {{convert|275|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} and {{convert|250|–|450|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain.{{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.}} Approximately a third of Vanuatu's population was said to have been impacted by the storm across seven islands.{{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}}{{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=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 9, 2020}} Communications were lost in most of the affected areas, particularly in Vanuatu's northern provinces.{{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=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 7, 2020}}{{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}} Telecommunications company Vodafone reported loss of contact with the Banks Islands, Espiritu Santo, Malakula, and Pentecost Island.{{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=RNZ |publisher=Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Limited |date=April 7, 2020 |location=Suva, Fiji}} Connections were reestablished in the hardest-hit areas two days after Harold made landfall.{{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=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=April 8, 2020 |location=Sydney, Australia}} 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 {{cvt|166|mm|in}} of rain.{{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}}

File:Cyclone Harold moves through Vanuatu.gif

Modelling from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre suggested that storm surge heights peaked at {{cvt|0.8|m|ft}} in Vanuatu.{{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}} Damage was extensive in Espiritu Santo where Harold first made landfall.{{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=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 7, 2020}} Ships were grounded on the shores of the island by the rough seas. Extensive defoliation and flooding occurred across northern Vanuatu.{{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=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 8, 2020}} 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,{{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 }} with one reduced to its foundation. Approximately 50–70 percent of buildings in the city were damaged; about half of homes suffered significant damage.{{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}} 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,{{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=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 6, 2020}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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=Stuff |publisher=Stuff Limited |date=April 8, 2020}} Shacks along the coast of Espiritu Santo were completely demolished, with some more developed homes unroofed and their walls ripped off or collapsed in.{{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}} 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.{{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=Radio New Zealand |access-date=April 10, 2020}}

More extreme damage was reported in Pentecost, where the storm made its second landfall near peak intensity. Entire villages were reportedly destroyed.{{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}} Further aerial damage surveys were issued to assess damage on the island.{{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}} With the health facility Melsisi destroyed and staff housing damaged, the lower floor of another damaged building was used as a temporary medical ward.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 68% of all structures on Pentecost Island were estimated to have been damaged, while 45% were estimated to have been damaged on Malo Island.{{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}} World Bank estimated the total damage of Harold reached US$617 million.{{cite press release|url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/03/13/world-bank-provides-us-9-5-million-grant-in-disaster-response-for-vanuatu|title=World Bank Provides US$9.5 Million Grant in Disaster Response for Vanuatu

|work=World Bank|date=March 13, 2023|access-date=March 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313000622/https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/03/13/world-bank-provides-us-9-5-million-grant-in-disaster-response-for-vanuatu|archive-date=March 13, 2023|url-status=live}}

=Fiji=

File:Harold 2020-04-08 0148Z.jpg

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.{{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}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} The highest warning, a hurricane warning, was issued for Kadavu and Ono-i-Lau on April 7.{{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}} The Fiji National Disaster Management Office (FDNMO) activated their Emergency Operations Centre to streamline preparations and evacuations.{{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}} Across Fiji, 25 evacuation centres were initially opened,{{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}} with 22 in the Western Division and 3 in the Central Division; at least 2,146 people sought shelter in the centres.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} All village headmen and community leaders were directed to evacuate their people to safety.{{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}} The Kadavu Provincial Council warned Kadavu residents to seek higher ground.{{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}} Viti Levu was placed under a restriction of movement order on April 8, ensuring that only emergency services would be on the roads;{{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}} this order was lifted later that day.{{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}} 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.{{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}} Maritime clearances were indefinitely terminated for all ships by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, apart from evacuating ships.{{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}} All Land Transport Authority offices were closed.{{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}} Non-essential civil servants were directed to stay home.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{cite news |last1=Nasiko |first1=Repeka |title=STC Harold: Fiji Airways stored away aircrafts [sic] 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}}

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.{{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}} Heavy rainfall flooded several communities across Fiji; flash flood warnings covered all low-lying areas and watersheds throughout the country.{{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}} Parts of Ba, Lautoka, and two villages were flooded.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Patients in the main hospital in Lautoka were moved to the ground floor as a precautionary measure.{{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}} Police checkpoints were established to restrict travel to Ba due to widespread floods along the Ba River and nearby creeks.{{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}}{{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}} Nearly a hundred homes in Qauia, Lami, were affected by flooding.{{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}} Roads were blocked by fallen trees, floodwaters, and landslides.{{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}}{{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}} The Nasivi River overflowed its banks, submerging a highway and a bridge.{{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}} Sections of Queens and Kings highways were closed due to obstructions.{{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}} Nine houses were razed in Tailevu Province, injuring several people.{{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}} Tailevu North College and homes in Tailevu lost parts of their roofs.{{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}} Crops were uprooted from farms by the winds.{{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}} In Nadi, winds reached {{convert|95|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} and electricity was cut.{{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}} Power outages stemming from downed power poles and lines affected much of Fiji's Central and Western divisions.{{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}} Power company Energy Fiji Limited described the damage to its power lines as "significant".{{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}} Houses in Sigatoka were damaged by strong winds and most parts of the city were left without power.{{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}}{{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}} A tornado struck Vusuya, Nausori on the morning of April 8, unroofing homes, uprooting trees, and felling power poles;{{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}} fifteen houses were badly damaged and two people were injured.{{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}}{{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}} Seven houses and a school were unroofed by another tornado in Nakasi.{{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}} Nine homes in Narere, Nasinu were damaged by a third tornado produced by Harold.{{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}} Low-lying areas of Suva were inundated along the coastal waterfront.{{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}} About ten homes in the city were destroyed.{{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}} Metal and aluminum pipes from a skyscraper undergoing construction in Suva fell onto the adjacent roads and properties.{{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}} Heavy rain and strong winds extended into the Northern Division, downing trees and signage.{{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}} Cassava, plantain, and banana plantations sustained losses due to strong winds in Kubulau, Bua District.{{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}} Communications were lost in the Kadavu and the Lau islands, where many buildings were damaged.{{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}}{{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}} Approximately 50 homes were destroyed in Ono-i-Lau, which was {{cvt|63|km}} away from the center of Harold at its closest approach.{{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}} Widespread damage was reported in Dravuni.{{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}} Farms and crops were damaged in Vanuabalavu.{{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}} In Bulia, Kadavu, around 20 homes were damaged, including newly built houses.{{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}} In total, 26 people were injured across Fiji,{{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}} and one died.{{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}} Power remained yet to be restored for 80% of the affected homes by April 11, 3 days after the first impacts.{{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=RNZ |language=en-nz|access-date=2020-04-11}}

Damage caused by Harold in the agricultural and educational industry of Fiji totaled up to FJ$35.5 million (US$15.5 million). 1,919 buildings in Fiji were damaged by Harold and 575 were destroyed, mainly in the Eastern Division. The government estimated the total damage to be exceeding US$40 million.{{cite news|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/417430/fiji-govt-says-cyclone-harold-costs-exceed-us40m|title=Fiji Govt says Cyclone Harold costs exceed $US40m|work=Radio New Zealand|date=May 25, 2020|access-date=May 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525084627/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/417430/fiji-govt-says-cyclone-harold-costs-exceed-us40m|archive-date=May 25, 2020|url-status=live}}

=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.{{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}} Heavy rain warnings and flash flood advisories were issued for 'Eua, Ha'apai, Tongatapu, and Vava'u,{{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}} with additional warnings for high winds covering the same areas in addition to other outlying islands.{{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}} Commercial banks in Tonga closed on April 9, with normal operations expected to return on April 14.{{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}} Police advised residents to seek shelter if necessary and to avoid Nuku'alofa's central business district.{{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=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 8, 2020}} 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.{{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}}

Power outages began affecting parts of Tonga due to falling trees caused by the storm on April 9. 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 'Eua Airport.{{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=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 9, 2020}} Damage to food crops and water supplies occurred in 'Eua and Tongatapu. Storm surge, reaching {{cvt|0.86|m}} above king tide,{{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}} inundated coastal extents of Tongatapu,{{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}} with their greatest impacts on the island's central and western shores.{{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}} Three tourist resorts west of Nuku'alofa were destroyed; their beach-side cottages, events complexes, and residences were razed by the surge.{{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}}{{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=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 9, 2020}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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 = Radio New Zealand|date = April 24, 2020}}

Aftermath

File:Espiritu Santo and Malo Island after Cyclone Harold.png

The state of emergency enacted for Vanuatu for the COVID-19 pandemic was extended to bolster the government response to Harold's aftermath.{{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}}{{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=RNZ |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=April 8, 2020}} Recovery efforts were estimated to last 12 months, with the longetivity due in part to the concurrent coronavirus crisis.{{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}} 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.{{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}} Save the Children prepared relief materials on the islands for distribution to affected children.{{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}} The Vanuatu Red Cross Society was joined by Red Cross societies from Fiji and the Solomon Islands.{{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}} 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.{{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}} Relief supplies shipped to Vanuatu were required to be quarantined for seven days before distribution on the islands.{{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}} A P-3 Orion surveillance plane was sent by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to determine where humanitarian assistance could be prioritized.{{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}} An NZDF C-130 was assigned to deliver a helicopter to Vanuatu to support relief efforts and carry out medical supplies.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} An Australian Defence Force plane was sent to northern Vanuatu to send supplies to impacted areas on April 9.{{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}} France sent tents, shelter kits, kitchen sets and jerry cans to the country under request of Vanuatu's government.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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".{{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}} The World Bank donated US$10 million in emergency funding to Vanuatu on April 27.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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

=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.{{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}}