TC Maila downgraded to a tropical low

by · RNZ
Tropical Cyclone Maila has been downgraded to a tropical low system and now becomes ex-Tropical Cyclone.Photo: Zoom Earth

Tropical Cyclone Maila, which has battered parts of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, has been downgraded to a tropical low.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service said Tropical Cyclone Maila was downgraded at 11:00pm Saturday night to a tropical low system and now becomes ex-Tropical Cyclone.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology said ex-Tropical Cyclone Maila 37U is continuing to weaken in the Solomon Sea but is still producing gales to its northwest.

In Solomon Islands, a strong wind warning is current for waters of Western Province.

The Meteorological Service said people in those areas should take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties.

In Papua New Guinea, the National Weather Service said people are advised to remain vigilant while venturing to the edge of the sea until the ex-Tropical Cyclone Maila moves away from PNG waters.

Tropical Cyclone Maila, has battered parts of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, has been downgraded to a tropical low.Photo: The Australian Bureau of Meteorology

It said ex-Tropical Cyclone Maila will still cause heavy rain, strong winds, storm surge and coastal inundation until early next week.

Meanwhile, a special gale warning has been issued for Manus, New Ireland, West and East Sepik by the National Weather Service.

It said a trough line extends south-eastward from Typhoon Sinlaku, located north of the equator.

The system is driving strong to very strong westerly winds over northern part of Papua New Guinea, contributing to unsettled weather.

Recovery efforts

Damage caused by Tropical Cyclone in Autonomous Region of BougainvillePhoto: Supplied

The system battered parts of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea for nearly a week as it passed through, with reports of two deaths in Bougainville and widespread damage in both countries.

The Solomon Islands government announced it's prioritising emergency humanitarian assistance and relief for cyclone-hit communities.

And Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape has issued a firm directive to all government agencies and project administrators, warning that the speed of the national response to Cyclone Maila depends entirely on the immediate submission of impact reports.

Local media is reporting high swells and coastal flooding has impacted Vasara village on Rendova Western Province.Photo: Solomon Star

Related Stories

Two deaths reported in Bougainville as TC Maila tracks south east of PNGTwo women are confirmed dead in Bougainville as Tropical Cyclone Maila continues to batter the region with strong winds and heavy rainfall.11 Apr 2026RNZ Pacific Cyclone Watch Service activatedThe South Pacific cyclone season officially starts today, 1 November and will run through to April 2026.RNZ Pacific, 01 Nov 2025Cyclone Maila reaches Category 5 strength in Solomon SeaSevere Tropical Cyclone Maila has been upgraded to a Category 5 system, with sustained winds near the centre of 215 kilometres per hour and wind gusts of up to 295km/h.RNZ Pacific reporters, 07 Apr 2026Cyclone Vaianu moves away from Fiji, but heavy rain warning remains in forceThe Category 3 system battered Fiji with heavy rain and winds, causing widespread flooding that forced almost 300 people into evacuation centres.RNZ Pacific reporters, 07 Apr 2026Severe tropical cyclone Maila brings strong winds and flooding to BougainvilleThe Autonomous Bougainville Government is advising residents of Buka and surrounding areas that wind speeds from the category 3 severe tropical cyclone will increase.RNZ Pacific reporters, 07 Apr 2026Cyclone Vaianu: Roads cut off, schools closed, flights cancelled in FijiFijian authorities are advising people to avoid flooded areas and take necessary precautions.RNZ Pacific reporters, 07 Apr 2026