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Cyclone Maila Kills 11 in PNG's Bougainville, Triggers Deadly Landslide

Tropical Cyclone Maila has killed at least 11 people in Papua New Guinea's autonomous Bougainville region, with eight fatalities caused by a landslide that destroyed homes in Asiko Village. The cyclone, which reached Category 5 strength, caused major flooding, destruction of buildings, and triggered storm surges and landslides across eastern PNG and the Solomon Islands. PNG Prime Minister James Marape stated the government is mobilizing relief supplies including food, water, and medical aid for affected communities. The system has since been downgraded to a tropical low after initially being forecast as a severe storm.

Key Points: Cyclone Maila Kills 11 in Papua New Guinea's Bougainville

  • 11 killed including 8 in a landslide
  • Cyclone reached Category 5 strength
  • Widespread flooding and destruction across region
  • PNG government mobilizing essential relief supplies
2 min read

Tropical Cyclone Maila kills at least 11 in PNG's Bougainville

Tropical Cyclone Maila causes 11 deaths in Bougainville, PNG, with a deadly landslide and widespread destruction. PM James Marape mobilizes relief.

"We will make sure we reach every place, every island, and every community that has been affected. - James Marape"

Melbourne, April 13

At least 11 people have died, including eight in a landslide, after Tropical Cyclone Maila hit the autonomous Bougainville region of Papua New Guinea.

PNG media reported on Monday that 11 people were killed in Bougainville, located over 950 km northeast of Port Moresby in the Solomon Sea, amid widespread destruction caused by the cyclone.

According to the National Broadcasting Corporation of PNG, at least eight people were killed by a landslide that destroyed homes in Asiko Village in Central Bougainville.

Two more women died after being hit by fallen trees, the NBC reported, and around 12 other people have been hospitalised with various injuries.

Tropical Cyclone Maila reached Category 5 strength in the Solomon Sea and caused major flooding and destruction across eastern PNG and the Solomon Islands.

In a statement issued on Sunday, PNG Prime Minister James Marape said that the government has begun mobilising essential relief supplies, including food rations, clean water, medical supplies and temporary shelters.

"We will make sure we reach every place, every island, and every community that has been affected," he said.

Tropical Cyclone Maila was initially forecast to hit the southeastern tip of the island of New Guinea as a Category 2 or 3 storm, but has since been downgraded to a tropical low, Xinhua news agency reported.

The system has been a destructive force through the Pacific region, destroying buildings, creating huge waves, storm surges and landslides.

Earlier on April 8, three people had been reported missing in the Solomon Islands as emergency warnings remain in place in eastern Papua New Guinea (PNG) after Tropical Cyclone Maila reached Category 5 strength in the Solomon Sea.

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology had said that Tropical Cyclone Maila was a Category 5 storm in the Solomon Sea around 425 km west of Honiara and 980 km east of Port Moresby.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Terrible. A Category 5 cyclone is no joke. We see similar destruction during our own monsoon season in coastal areas. The landslide killing eight people is especially tragic. Hope the international community, including India, can offer some aid.
D
David E
Reading about the fallen trees and landslides... it's a stark reminder of how vulnerable we are to nature's fury. The PM's promise to reach every community is good, but the logistics must be a nightmare with so many islands.
A
Aditya G
Climate change is making these intense storms more frequent. While we focus on immediate relief, the bigger question is about building long-term resilience in the Pacific region. India should share its disaster management expertise.
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Sarah B
The report says it was downgraded from a forecasted Cat 2/3 to a tropical low, but it still caused this much damage as a Cat 5 earlier. Shows how unpredictable these systems can be. My thoughts are with those injured and in hospital.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the PM's statement is reassuring, the real test is on-ground execution. In remote areas like Bougainville, getting aid through is a huge challenge. I hope they have a solid, actionable plan and not just promises.

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