by Ronald Toito’ona
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service has issued an urgent Tropical Cyclone Warning (Number Two) as Category 1 Cyclone Maila continues to intensify in the Solomon Sea. As of 5:00 AM on Sunday, April 5, 2026, the system was located approximately 228 kilometers west of Ranogga Island, moving slowly toward Papua New Guinea.
Cyclone Maila is currently moving west-northwest at a speed of 3 knots (approximately 5.5 km/h) toward Kiriwina Island, PNG. With a central pressure of 987 hectopascals, the storm is expected to gather strength as it tracks across the Solomon Sea.
The Meteorological Service has warned of a wide range of hazardous conditions affecting various provinces:
| Region | Wind Speed | Sea Conditions |
| Western Province | 34–47 knots (63–87 km/h) | Very rough; 3.0–5.0m swells |
| Choiseul & Isabel | Up to 33 knots (61 km/h) | Moderate to rough; 2.5–3.0m swells |
| Other Provinces | 20–25 knots (37–46 km/h) | Moderate |
Widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across all provinces, creating a significant risk of landslides and flash flooding, particularly for communities near hill slopes and large riverbanks.
Authorities are urging extreme caution for both land and sea travelers:
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Sea Travelers: Heavy rain is expected to significantly reduce visibility at sea. Safety measures should be prioritized immediately.
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Motorists: Drivers are advised to avoid crossing rivers or streams of unknown depth, as sudden flooding is likely.
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Property & Life: Residents are encouraged to take precautionary measures to protect lives and property from wind damage and flooding.
The government has made a special plea to the public to ensure that people with disabilities are informed and assisted as the weather deteriorates.
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service will issue the next update at 1:30 PM this afternoon. Residents are advised to monitor the SIBC and all local media outlets for the latest information.
