Cyclone Maila kills 11 in Papua New Guinea flooding

April 13, 2026 / 10:48 AM

Sharjah24-WAM: At least 11 people were killed after severe flooding and landslides triggered by Tropical Cyclone Maila struck Papua New Guinea, devastating coastal villages.

According to the National Broadcasting Corporation Papua New Guinea, preliminary estimates indicate that more than 10,000 people have been affected, while around 20,000 others urgently require assistance across the Bougainville region.

Relief efforts face access challenges

James Marape said that access to remote communities remains difficult while damage assessments continue.

He added that the government has begun mobilising essential relief supplies, such as food, clean water, medical assistance, and temporary shelters.

Cyclone impacts neighbouring regions

The cyclone also affected the Solomon Islands, with significant damage reported in remote areas.

Cyclone Maila moved across the Solomon Sea, with winds reaching nearly 300 kilometres per hour, briefly intensifying to a Category 5 storm before weakening to a tropical low.