At Category 5, powerful Tropical Cyclone Harold storm made history again since Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu only five years ago. This time TC Harold passed directly over Santo, causing a lot of damage to houses, gardens, schools, health centers, churches, as well as hundreds of people still sheltering in evacuation centers.

Approximately 20,000 people have been affected in Luganville alone, the country’s second-largest town, where most house roofs have been blown off, many trees snapped, and most business and government buildings destroyed.

Further Arts project staff living in Santo are facing hard times ahead as a result of Cyclone Harold. Their homes were all damaged and family belongings scattered, as well as gardens used to feed the family destroyed. For the children their toys, playgrounds and belongings are lost, blown away by the cyclone.

Communities, that Further Arts worked with, reported that it has been challenging time with Vanuatu was under a state of emergency because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the country’s borders sealed, inter-island travel also stopped, mass gatherings banned; then TC Harold comes along and made the situation much worse.

We are seeking funds to support Further Arts staff whose homes have been damaged by TC Harold, and the communities we work with to continue supporting their cultural and livelihood activities.