Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila Claims 23 Lives in Papua New Guinea
Synopsis
The death toll from Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila in Papua New Guinea has tragically risen to 23, with extensive damage reported. Discover the latest updates on this humanitarian crisis and the ongoing rescue efforts.
Key Takeaways
23 lives lost due to Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila in PNG.
Landslides triggered by continuous heavy rainfall.
State of emergency declared in Bougainville region.
Rescue teams assessing damage and displacement.
Ongoing concerns in the Solomon Islands with three missing persons.
Melbourne, April 15 (NationPress) – On Wednesday, officials confirmed that an additional 12 lives were claimed by Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila, which struck the eastern region of Papua New Guinea (PNG), raising the total death count to 23.
Jelta Wong, the MP representing the Gazelle District of East New Britain Province, conveyed to The National newspaper that 10 individuals lost their lives when a landslide buried them in the isolated village of Lamarain on Sunday.
He mentioned that all 10 bodies have been retrieved and expressed the community's profound grief over this tragedy, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The landslide was triggered by the relentless heavy rains associated with Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila, which impacted eastern PNG over the weekend, resulting in extensive destruction.
Randal Ganisi, the disaster management coordinator in Milne Bay Province, informed The National that two fatalities have been documented in that area.
He noted that response teams have been dispatched to island communities to evaluate the number of displaced individuals and the level of damage incurred.
Earlier, 11 deaths had been reported on Monday in the autonomous Bougainville region, with eight individuals perishing in a landslide.
According to the state-owned National Broadcasting Corporation, a state of emergency has been declared across the Bougainville region due to the widespread devastation of infrastructure, significant displacement of residents, and a burgeoning humanitarian crisis instigated by the cyclone.
In a related note, three individuals have been reported missing in the Solomon Islands.
The Bureau of Meteorology in Australia specified that Tropical Cyclone Maila was a Category 5 storm in the Solomon Sea as of Tuesday.
The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation has reported three missing persons following the severe weather induced by the cyclone in Choiseul Province, which is adjacent to the Western Province.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has activated operational centers in both Western and Choiseul provinces and is advising the public to take necessary safety measures.
Point of View
It is critical to focus on the human impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila. The rising death toll and widespread displacement highlight the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and infrastructure rebuilding. This catastrophic event serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities in natural disasters.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have died due to Cyclone Maila?
The total reported death toll from Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila has reached 23.
What caused the landslides in Papua New Guinea?
The landslides were caused by continuous heavy rainfall associated with Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Is there a state of emergency declared?
Yes, a state of emergency has been declared for the entire Bougainville region due to extensive damage and displacement.
What measures are being taken for the displaced?
Response teams have been deployed to assess the damage and evaluate the number of displaced individuals.
Are there any updates from the Solomon Islands?
Yes, three people have been reported missing in the Solomon Islands as a result of the severe weather from the cyclone.
