The Solomon Sea has become a focal point of concern as tropical cyclone MAILA continues to pose a significant threat to the region. On the morning of April 9th, the cyclone maintained its slow progress, carrying maximum sustained winds of up to 185 km/h. However, it is noteworthy that as of April 10th, at 0.
00 UTC, MAILA’s intensity had decreased, with the cyclone’s center situated some 215 kilometers northeast of Muyua Island, which is situated far eastern Papua New Guinea. The current winds, though still potent, have been reported at a maximum sustained rate of 130 km/h.
The passage of the cyclone over the Solomon Sea has already taken a heavy toll on Bougainville Island, which is part of eastern Papua New Guinea. According to reports from media sources, the heavy rainfall triggered by MAILA has led to extensive flooding and landslides, resulting in two confirmed fatalities. The cyclone is poised to make its next landfall on the southern Muyua Island on April 12th, at a very early hour, with winds that are expected to reach tropical storm intensity, at a sustained rate of 65 km/h.
The trajectory of MAILA does not end there. The forecast predicts that on April 13th, the cyclone will strike Fergusson Island, located far south-eastern Papua New Guinea, during the morning hours as a tropical storm. The next 96 hours are anticipated to be particularly perilous, with predictions of very heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges expected across the eastern and far south-eastern regions of Papua New Guinea. This has prompted the Papua New Guinea National Weather Service to issue a special gale-force wind warning for the eastern islands of the nation.
Additionally, heavy rainfall is forecasted to affect the Solomon Islands over the subsequent 48 hours. The situation underscores the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of the intensifying weather phenomenon.
Source: reliefweb
Original author: European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
