Earthquake, Tsunami, Volcano, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, or Floods

Sample Solution

The 2021 Tropical Cyclone Harold: A Report

Introduction

On February 16, 2021, Tropical Cyclone Harold formed over the Coral Sea, east of Australia. The storm intensified rapidly, reaching Category 5 strength on February 18. Harold made landfall on the island nation of Vanuatu on February 19, with winds of over 260 kilometers per hour (160 mph). The storm caused widespread damage and loss of life in Vanuatu, as well as in the neighboring countries of Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa.

Harold was the strongest tropical cyclone to ever make landfall in Vanuatu. The storm caused widespread flooding, landslides, and damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Over 60,000 people were displaced from their homes, and at least 79 people were killed.

Full Answer Section

The international community responded to the disaster by providing emergency aid and financial assistance to the affected countries. The United Nations, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand were among the major contributors to the relief effort.

The Cause of the Tropical Cyclone

Tropical cyclones are formed when warm, moist air rises from the ocean surface and cools in the upper atmosphere. This cooling causes the air to condense into clouds, which release heat that further warms the surrounding air. This cycle creates a spinning vortex of air that can grow into a tropical cyclone.

Tropical cyclones are most common in the tropics, where the ocean surface is warm enough to support their development. They are also more common during the El Niño phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which is characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

The Impact of the Tropical Cyclone

The 2021 Tropical Cyclone Harold had a devastating impact on Vanuatu and the surrounding region. The storm caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Over 60,000 people were displaced from their homes, and at least 79 people were killed.

The storm also caused significant damage to crops and livestock, which had a major impact on the food security of the affected communities. The destruction of infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, made it difficult for relief workers to reach the affected areas.

The economic impact of the storm was also significant. The cost of the damage caused by Harold was estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The storm also disrupted tourism, a major industry in Vanuatu.

The Response to the Tropical Cyclone

The international community responded to the disaster by providing emergency aid and financial assistance to the affected countries. The United Nations, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand were among the major contributors to the relief effort.

The United Nations provided emergency food, shelter, and medical supplies to the affected communities. The United States provided over $10 million in humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu. Australia provided over $50 million in humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu and Fiji. New Zealand provided over $10 million in humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu.

The international community also provided financial assistance to the affected countries to help them rebuild their infrastructure and economies. The World Bank provided a $20 million loan to Vanuatu to help the country rebuild its roads and bridges. The Asian Development Bank provided a $30 million loan to Vanuatu to help the country rebuild its schools and hospitals.

The Conclusion

The 2021 Tropical Cyclone Harold was a devastating disaster that had a significant impact on Vanuatu and the surrounding region. The storm caused widespread damage, loss of life, and economic disruption. The international community responded to the disaster by providing emergency aid and financial assistance to the affected countries.

The disaster highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness and resilience in the Pacific region. Countries in the region need to invest in early warning systems, disaster risk reduction measures, and disaster response plans. They also need to build stronger partnerships with the international community to ensure that they are able to respond effectively to future disasters.