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Flash Update on Tropical Cyclone Donna No. 1

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Dear Colleagues,

This is an OCHA Flash Update on Tropical Cyclone Donna.

TC Donna has been moving west-southwest at about 15km/hour and is anticipated to remain as a category 3 system.

While tracking southwest, TC Donna is moving away from most islands of Vanuatu. Tropical Cyclone warning was issued for Torba, Sanma and Malampa Provinces as of 3.00pm Vanuatu time today. Very destructive winds were recorded affecting Torba Province today and will most likely continue tonight. Flash flooding for low-lying areas was also expected to affect Torba, Sanma, Penama and Malampa due to heavy rainfall. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) issued a public advisory today for safety and precautionary measures.

In the Solomon Islands, the province of Temotu experienced bad weather associated with TC Donna, in the afternoon of 4 May through to 5 May. The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service continued to issue tropical cyclone warnings for Temotu Province today. It is expected that the associated trough, cloud and rain bands from the system will affect the Fiji group over the weekend. The Fiji Meteorological Service indicated that TC Donna doesn’t pose any threat to Fiji.

Preliminary reports from Vanuatu suggests that there has been significant damage in Torba Province (the most northern island). Populations in these islands are, however, low. Based on the current cyclone track, the Northern parts of Vanuatu will be severely affected. An estimated 51,000 people are likely to be affected by damaging gale force winds with heavy rain that will cause flash flooding to low-lying areas. This would be mostly people living in Torba and Sanma Provinces. Temotu Province in the Solomon Islands will be severely affected due to strong winds from the system with heavy rain.

The Vanuatu NDMO have since convened two inter-agency meetings held on 3 and 4 May including a cluster meeting amongst key sectors. The inter-agency meeting included a briefing to all key partners on the current situation and planning for preparation to ensure a coordinated approach towards the response. The NDMO has also activated the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) for preparedness and coordination which includes the activation of the Joint Police Operation Centre (JPOC) to provide support if required. The NDMO has issued their first situation report on 4 May which provides a brief situational overview and the current general coordination including contact information. OCHA has been in close contact with the Government i.e. NDMO.

In the Solomon Islands, the Provincial Emergency Operation Centre in Lata has been activated while the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has been providing ‘what to do’ information to the public. OCHA staff in Honiara continue to monitor the situation.

The response to TC Donna will be Government led. As it continues to monitor the situation, the Government will review the relevancy of request for international support based on situation and the impact of the cyclone.

The Pacific Humanitarian Team (PHT) met this afternoon, 5 May in Suva. OCHA provided a brief to partners and Donors on the current situation based on information received from the Government. Regional cluster support team also provided update in terms of key preparedness actions and plan in place to support the Government if required. OCHA on behalf of the PHT has indicated to the Government that it stands ready to assist. PHT partners are on standby to deploy upon request of the Government and local partners.

The next Flash Update will be issued as soon as more information is available.

For more information, contact:
Sune Gudnitz, Head of Office Pacific, gudnitz@un.org, Mobile +679 999 1664
Sevuloni Ratu, Public Information Officer Pacific, ratu@un.org, Mobile +679 999 002

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