Attachments
Description
As of 11 April 2026, the PNG Disaster Management Team (DMT) and the National Disaster Centre (NDC) have confirmed that Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila has downgrated to a Category 1 system. Weather warnings remain in place for Milne Bay Province, particularly for the coastal and island communities of Woodlark, the Trobriand Islands, Fergusson, Normanby, Sudest, Misima and Rossel Islands, as well as the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB). To date, nine fatalities (8 in AROB, 1 Milne Bay) have been reported across Milne Bay and AROB, while the number of injuries and displaced persons remains unknown.
On 10 April, NDC has issued a request to the UN Resident Coordinator for agencies to remain on standby and prepare for deployment as part of an Inter‑Agency Joint Assessment Team to Milne Bay Province and AROB. The deployment is anticipated for Monday 13 April and aims to support Provincial Disaster Centres in conducting rapid assessments. Findings will guide subsequent decision-making, including potential response and relief operations.
PNGRCS Headquarters has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate internal monitoring and information management. Three Situation Reports have been issued to date, consolidating updates received from the respective branches.
In Milne Bay Province, the PNGRCS Branch has activated its Branch Disaster Response Team / Coordination mechanism and conducted an internal briefing on the current disaster scenario, PNGRCS’ mandate, available response capacity (resources and personnel), coordination with key stakeholders, and reporting mechanisms to HQ and IFRC. A Branch focal person has been appointed and is coordinating closely with the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre (PECC).
A joint initial assessment is planned for this week, subject to cyclone downgrade—likely by Tuesday. The team will prioritise Woodlark Island as the first assessment location. An inter‑agency team including IOM, UN, and the Department of Health will deploy from Port Moresby and join the operation. Two PNGRCS Milne Bay Branch volunteers will accompany the joint assessment team.
In the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, the Bougainville Executive Council (BEC) has declared a "State of Emergency" across Bougainville. The SoE will run for 3 months for assessment and assistance to the affected population. PNGRCS Branch officer, is coordinating with other branch focal points for updates as it is currently difficult to travel by road due to washed away roads and bridges.
The Needs Assessment report will be available once the preliminary assessment in the affected provinces are completed and report shared.
Request For Assistance
Government Requests International Assistance
Yes
NS Requests International Assistance
Yes
Information Bulletin Published
No
Actions taken by Federation
General
Other
Summary
- Joint coordination with PNGRCS to provide technical support in the response - Support in the development of the DREF application - Coordination of a Movement Partners meeting to update on the situation
Actions taken by RCRC
Summary
No action taken at the moment.
Actions taken by National Society
General
Damage/Needs assessment
Other
Summary
- Communications - Awareness and hazard warning messaging - PNGRCS branch focal points are part of the inter-sectoral joint assessment in Milne Bay and Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
Actions taken by others
PNG NDC, PNG PCD, Department of Health, National Weather Services, UN RC, UN HAT, IOM All stakeholders are monitoring the situation, coordinating, checking available NFI stocks and preparing the initial assessment.
Planned International Response
DREF
Planned
Rapid Response Personnel
Planned