A cyclone heading towards Vanuatu, in the South Pacific, has strengthened to reach category 5, the highest, causing destructive winds and a "phenomenal" sea, meteorologists said on Monday (April 6th).
Tropical cyclone Harold, which left at least five people dead and 22 missing in the Solomon Islands this past weekend, strengthened in the night from Sunday to Monday as it moved east, the meteorological service said. Vanuatu.
Winds are now reaching 235 km / h as it passes, and authorities have raised the alarm in several provinces of Vanuatu, a country of 80 islands spanning some 1,300 km.
They warned people of the risk of flooding and asked the ships to stay in port. Cyclone Harold is expected Tuesday morning north of the capital Port Vila.
At least 22 passengers on a ferry chartered as part of the fight against the new coronavirus are missing in the Solomon Islands, after having apparently been swept away by the waves generated by this cyclone, local police said on Sunday . Five bodies were also found, she added, adding that the search would continue on Monday.
Survivors said several people were swept away by huge waves and high winds, which reached the ferry before dawn on Friday.
