At least 11 individuals lost their lives in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, due to Tropical Cyclone Maila, with eight fatalities resulting from a landslide. The cyclone brought widespread devastation to the region, situated more than 950 km northeast of Port Moresby in the Solomon Sea. Reports from PNG media highlighted the tragic toll, including eight deaths in Asiko Village in Central Bougainville caused by a destructive landslide.
Two women also perished after being struck by falling trees, as reported by the National Broadcasting Corporation of PNG. Additionally, approximately 12 individuals sustained injuries and were hospitalized following the cyclone’s impact. Tropical Cyclone Maila, escalating to Category 5 strength in the Solomon Sea, triggered severe flooding and destruction across eastern Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
PNG’s Prime Minister, James Marape, announced the initiation of relief efforts, emphasizing the distribution of essential supplies such as food, water, medical aid, and temporary shelters. He reassured affected communities of comprehensive support, stating, “We will make sure we reach every place, every island, and every community that has been affected.” The cyclone, initially projected to hit New Guinea’s southeastern tip as a Category 2 or 3 storm, has since weakened to a tropical low, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The cyclonic system, Tropical Cyclone Maila, wrought havoc across the Pacific region, causing extensive damage to structures, generating massive waves, storm surges, and triggering landslides. Emergency warnings persist in eastern Papua New Guinea, with three individuals reported missing in the Solomon Islands earlier on April 8. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology confirmed the cyclone’s Category 5 status in the Solomon Sea, situated west of Honiara and east of Port Moresby.
