on 17 Apr 2020
Category-5 winds reach 300kph, damage affects 159,000+ people
On April 6, Category-5 Cyclone Harold, with reported wind speeds of over 300kph, blew through the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, causing enormous damage. The storm caused extensive damage, stripping trees, flattening buildings, homes and schools, cutting power, destroying food and water supplies and leaving a reported 159,000+ people in need of water, food, shelter and communications.
The provision of aid has been complicated by strict protocols on preventing the spread of the virus that causes the Covid-19 disease.
Operation Nasama, a disaster relief fundraising initiative for Vanuatu in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Harold, has been launched by YachtAid Global in partnership with Virginia Craig of Port of Call Vanuatu and Justin Jenkin of Seal Superyachts Vanuatu that is supported by Fruit of the Pacific New Zealand, Noumea Ocean New Caledonia and Yacht Help Fiji.
In 2015, Vanuatu was hit by the similarly powerful Cyclone Pam, with the 73-metre Dragonfly providing assistance.
All of the money contributed to Operation Nasama will fund disaster relief and supplies for the communities across Vanuatu through relief organizations already in place in the country. YachtAid Global is serving as a communications and funding mechanism within Operation Nasama during the initial phases of the relief efforts and is not organizing vessels to help with distribution or physical aid at this time due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
YachtAid Global is a registered 501(c)(3) charity providing humanitarian aid, work on conservation programs and disaster relief response, through a network of NGOs, government agencies, brokers and charities with participating superyachts.
The link to the secure payment gateway for Operation Nasama.