(New York, 13 April 2020): UN Humanitarian Chief Mark Lowcock today announced the release of US$2.5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to get lifesaving aid to thousands of people affected by Tropical Cyclone Harold in Vanuatu, in the South Pacific Ocean. Tropical Cyclone Harold made landfall in Vanuatu on 6 April on the island of Espiritu Santo, before hitting the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Tonga. Initial assessments suggest as much as 90 per cent of the population in Sanma, the most affected province of Vanuatu, lost their homes, and more than half of all schools and almost a quarter of health centres were damaged. Crops have been destroyed and many communities are now cut off from help because of flooding and the destruction of roads. The CERF funds released today will enable UN agencies and humanitarian organisations to get safe drinking water, food, shelter, and healthcare where they are most needed. It will also support local and international logistics to enable the distribution of aid supplies.