WEATHER SERVICE URGE PUBLIC TO TAKE HEED OF WEATHER WARNINGS
CAPTION: Assistant Director for Forecasting and Warning, Benjamin Malai speaking on the Nasfund FM100 Talkback Show this week.
BY RICKY ISRAEL
THE National Weather Service (NSW) is urging people across the country to take all official weather warnings issued by the service seriously, saying they are important and can save lives.
Assistant Director for Forecasting and Warning, Benjamin Malai, made the call during an interview on the Nasfund FM100 Talkback Show this week.
Mr Malai said the country is currently in the tropical cyclone season, which runs from November to April.
During this period, strong winds, heavy rain and cyclones can develop, especially over coastal and Island areas.
He explained that that the National Weather Service differentiate the 3 different types of winds including strong winds ranging from 25 to 33/34 knots, while gale-force winds ranges from 35 to 48 knots and the very catastrophic one is the Strong Force winds that ranges from 49/50-75 knots.
Mr Malai said winds of around 48 to 50 knots is similar to driving a car at 120 kilometres per hour, and this wind speed is dangerous, particularly for small boats used by coastal communities.
He also warned about strong-force winds, can cause serious damage and can even bend steel power poles. He reminded the public that parts of Milne Bay Province have experienced severe damage from tropical cyclones in the past.
Mr Malai also raised concerns about heavy rainfall. He said while the number of rainy days has reduced in recent years, rainfall has become more intense. In 2025, Port Moresby recorded 117 millimetres of rain in just three hours, causing flooding and damage in many areas.
The National Weather Service is calling on community leaders, boat operators, the media and the general public to help share official warnings quickly, especially with people living in remote areas.
Mr Malai says strong winds, heavy rain and cyclones can be deadly, but listening to warnings and acting early can save lives.
