Cyclone Maila Hits Solomon Islands with 115 mph Winds
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- Cyclone Maila is currently in the Solomon Sea and is forecast to continue moving south‑westward over the coming days.
- Australian Bureau of Meteorology reported that Maila reached peak sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) with gusts up to 160 mph on Thursday, making it the strongest cyclone recorded this far north in the Solomon Sea.
- Cyclone Maila caused widespread damage in the Solomon Islands, especially in Western, Choiseul and Isabel provinces, where schools, clinics and homes were damaged.
- Solomon Islands government is prioritising humanitarian assistance after about 120 people were displaced and nearly 73,000 people were affected overall.
- Cyclone Maila is forecast to move south of Papua New Guinea this weekend, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to its south‑eastern areas before entering the Coral Sea.
- Cyclone Maila is expected to continue south‑westward toward the far north Queensland coast early next week.
Why it matters: The storm’s extreme winds and damage strain the Solomon Islands’ limited infrastructure, forcing the government to divert resources to emergency relief for 120 displaced residents and 73,000 affected, while the forecasted track will bring heavy rain to Papua New Guinea and northern Queensland.
