Solomon Islands Meteorological Service said on 03 April that Tropical Cyclone Harold was 67 km south-west of Anuta Island, Makira Province and moving east-southeast.
Heavy rain was reported in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands from 01 April. Aneityum in Vanuatu recorded 133mm of rain in 24 hours to 02 April. Munda in the Solomon Islands recorded 144mm of rain the following day.
Solomon Islands National Disaster Management office said on 03 April TC Harold’s impacts were beginning to be felt. Ships had run aground, coastal flooding reported and the Matanikau and Lunga rivers were swollen.
Further warnings have been issued for heavy rain, rough seas, swells and strong winds in the Solomon Islands and parts of Vanuatu. Solomon Islands Meteorological Service said the severe weather may lead to landslides, flooding and coastal flooding for communities along the coast, living near hill slopes, close to large rivers, streams and low lying areas.
Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department issued warnings for heavy rainfall and flooding over low lying areas and areas close to the river banks including coastal flooding expected over Torba Province and the
neighbouring provinces of Malampa, Penema and Shefa for 03 and 04 April. Seas will become rough to very rough with heavy to phenomenal swells over Northern and Central waters.
