TROPICAL Cyclone Maila passed through Papua New Guinea over the weekend after battering the Solomon Islands.
Despite its downgrading from a category five to a category one system, its movement westward has caused destruction, according to authorities.
National Weather Service and Zoom Earth, on Saturday, confirmed it became stronger in the Solomon Sea that affected the coastlines along Milne Bay.
Misima Island was one of the worst hit, with strong winds and high flooding on the large islands, affecting its 30,000-plus residents.
On Woodlark, gardens were destroyed by floods, with debris being swept into villages and damaging homes.
Milne Bay was in Maila’s direct path and was under high alert as residents in Alotau and surrounding outer islands braced for impact.
Bougainville was also hit hard as it passed through with strong winds and high seas, as it moved from the Solomons and made its way along the Eastern and Southern shoreline. It left a trail of destruction with landslides, flooding and damages to homes and gardens.
Other areas of East and West New Britain, New Ireland, East and West Sepik, and Manus are feeling its effects.
PNG Weather Service assistant director Benjamin Malai said the cyclone was moving slowly, causing delays of 12 to 18 hours.
