The Papua New Guinea National Weather Service (NWS) has officially upgraded Tropical Cyclone Maila to Category 5, the highest and most dangerous classification for a tropical system. As of 6:00 AM Wednesday, the storm is packing catastrophic maximum gusts of up to 296 km/h.
The system is currently moving northwest at a slow pace of 6 km/h, positioned approximately 255 km northeast of Rossel Island. Its slow movement increases the risk of prolonged exposure to destructive forces.
Critical Warning Areas
A Category 5 warning is in effect for Milne Bay Province, specifically targeting:
- Woodlark Island
- Sudest (Tagula) Island
- Misima Island
- Rossel Island
- Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB)
Expected Impacts
The NWS warns that Cyclone Maila will bring life-threatening conditions:
- Hurricane-Force Winds: Extreme wind damage to infrastructure and vegetation within 83 km of the center.
- Storm Surges: Dangerous coastal inundation and sea swells.
- Flooding: Heavy, sustained rainfall leading to severe inland flooding.
Public Safety Directive
Authorities are urging residents in all affected coastal and island communities to seek higher ground immediately and stay away from the shoreline. All maritime activities remain suspended.