Cyclone Maila Affects Parishes.

The Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila has inflicted significant damage on Catholic communities surrounding the parishes within the diocese.

The Cyclone Maila has escalated to a Category 5 storm, resulting in flooding, powerful winds reaching approximately 215 km/h, and gusts peaking at 295 km/h, along with coastal destruction throughout the Solomon Islands.

The cyclone was stationed southwest of the Solomon Islands’ Western Province (Last week), generating heavy rainfall, storm surges, and turbulent seas in the impacted regions. This cyclone marks the first recorded Category 5 event in the Solomon Sea according to the Australian scale.

Reports from the parishes indicate that Shortland, nearby villages, sections of the Gizo parish (Ranoggah Catholic Communities), and Moli communities have been severely impacted by the gale-force winds, extremely rough seas with swells reaching up to 6 meters, and coastal flooding, which has significantly damaged buildings and other infrastructure.

The diocese is currently gathering information from the affected communities and is encouraging communities to reach out to their parish priest.