CYCLONE MAILA LEFT TRAILS OF DEVASTATING IMPACTS IN ENB
BY WASITA ROYAL
THE recent tropical cyclone Maila that hit East New Britain last week had severely affected the province, leaving communities battling widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage.
According to ENB Provincial Administrator and Provincial Disaster Committee Chair, Mr. Levi Mano, the situation remains critical as the cyclone continues to affect the province.
Mr. Mano when speaking on NBC Radio in Kokopo earlier this week, explained that the cyclone, currently concentrated in the Solomon Sea, has brought continuous heavy rain and strong winds since Saturday, April 4th. The Gazelle Peninsula, including Rabaul and Kokopo, is the worst-affected area.
Mr. Mano reported that major rivers have overflowed, causing landslides that have destroyed homes, brought down power poles, and blocked key roads.
Nearly 30 families have been displaced in the Gazelle area alone as emergency teams are working around the clock to help displaced residents and clear affected communities.
He further noted that the main trunk road linking Rabaul and Kokopo is partially blocked by debris and mud.
Provincial authorities have hired contractors for emergency clearing, including those working on the four-lane Tokua-Kokopo Secondary Road.
Power lines have been damaged by falling trees, and officials are coordinating with the provincial team to restore electricity and remove dangerous trees near power poles.
According to Mr. Mano, health and education buildings have so far escaped direct damage except for Kokopo Secondary but access to services is limited due to blocked roads and suspended boat travel between islands.
The provincial government has reactivated the disaster centre at the Kokopo fire station and set up a team to collect reports from districts for the National Disaster Centre in Port Moresby as cleanup is ongoing in some towns, including Rabaul.
Mr. Mano urged all residents to stay alert, avoid standing under trees or near damaged power lines, secure their properties, and support local cleanup efforts.
He thanked communities for their resilience and for organizing mutual aid. While the weather office warns that Cyclone Maila’s effects will continue to fluctuate over the coming days, Mr. Mano acknowledged that the provincial administration is working with limited resources and will continue seeking national support as damage assessments are completed.
