Cyclone Maila downgrades to category 4 but still intensifying southwest of Western province, projected to move away later this week

BY BEN BILUA & IRWIN ANGIKI

Tropical Cyclone Maila was last night downgraded to category 4 after it had reached category 5 level early yesterday morning.

However, the system is said to still be intensifying, with the cyclone warning for Western province in force and authorities urging people in the province to seek shelter and practise precaution.

Cyclone warning No. 16 by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) at 7.30pm yesterday said Maila was situated southwest of Western province – 104km southwest of Ranonnga island – and moving northwards at a speed of 3 knots.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said Maila is projected to return to its initial south-west path away from the Solomon Islands and move into the northern Coral Sea towards Australia’s north Queensland by the weekend.

SIMS update said: “Expect gale force winds of 34 to 47 knots (63-70km per hour) over whole of Western province with very rough seas and moderate to heavy swells (3.5-6 metres) with coastal flooding and widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms.

“Elsewhere (other provinces), expect winds to reach 20 to 25 knots (37- 46 km per hour) increasing to 33 knots (61 km per hour) over Choiseul and Isabel provinces with moderate to rough seas and moderate swells (2.5-4m) and potential coastal flooding.

“Expect heavy rain at times and thunderstorms over the remaining provinces.”

SIMS cautions of possible landslide and flooding over communities living near hill slopes, close to large rivers, streams and low-lying areas.

“Motorists are also advised to use extreme caution when travelling on road. Do not attempt to cross rivers and large streams of unknown depth.

“People should take precautionary measures as bad weather associated with the severe tropical cyclone poses threats to lives and properties.

“Please share this information to people with disabilities,” SIMS said.

Update from Gizo last night

Meanwhile, report from Gizo last night said the headquarters of Western Province has been battered by Tropical Cyclone Maila since yesterday afternoon, with strong winds and hazardous conditions continuing into the night.

The cyclone made landfall at around 2pm yesterday, bringing with it severe west winds that impacted the entire island.

Areas facing Kolombangara bore the brunt of the storm, with powerful gusts hitting houses directly along the coastline.

Residents in more sheltered locations also felt the intensity of the system, as strong winds forced trees to bend eastward across the island.

Initial reports indicate that a few buildings have sustained partial damage, with the number of affected structures expected to rise as assessments continue today.

Information reaching Island Sun said residents in the Malakerava area were relatively fortunate, as their location placed them opposite the main wind direction.

However, authorities warn that these communities remain at risk from storm surges and other hazards associated with the cyclone.

In response to the worsening conditions, evacuation centres have been activated across Gizo.

One centre has been set up at the Seventh Day Adventist Church near Gizo Primary School, while Gizo Primary School itself has also been designated as an evacuation site by the Western Provincial Disaster Operation Committee.

Residents from vulnerable and exposed areas were seen moving to these centres seeking safety.

Strong winds continued to lash the island up to the time this paper went to print last night, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.

Why Maila is a slow-moving system

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said Maila’s slow movement is due to two competing areas of pressure sandwiching Maila with opposing forces from its north and south.

“While Maila has strengthened from a tropical low to a Category 5 cyclone over the last few days, it hasn’t moved very far, stalling over the Solomon Sea. This satellite loop shows deep cloud associated with the cyclone, and a clearly visible eye over the open water,” the Meteorology bureau said in its Facebook post 4pm yesterday.

“The reason why Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila has remained almost stationary is because of two competing forces. To the south of the system, a ridge of high pressure has tried to steer the system towards the west, while north of the system, north-westerly winds have tried to steer the system to the east. The result is that these forces balanced each other out, and Maila has moved almost nowhere.

“However, a new high pressure ridge is building to the south-west of Maila and is becoming the dominant steering influence. The ridge will help steer Maila slowly towards the south-west from today.

“Towards the weekend, Maila will move over the northern Coral Sea until it approaches far North Queensland later this weekend,” the Australia Met bureau said.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

For feedback, contact: [email protected] & [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Defending champions edge ATL Masina 6-4 in tense National Invitational Darts Championship Final at PCYC

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Defending champions Southern Arrows successfully retained their title after defeating ATL Masina 6–4 in a thrilling grand final of the National Invitational Darts Championship 2026 at the Point Cruz Yacht Club (PCYC) on Monday evening.

The highly anticipated final drew a lively crowd of supporters, players and spectators who packed the club venue as the two teams battled in a tense and competitive showdown.

ATL Masina started strongly, taking an early 2–0 lead over the defending champions. However, Southern Arrows slowly fought their way back into the match, levelling the score before extending their lead to eventually secure victory with a final score of 6–4.

The atmosphere during the final match was electric, with loud cheers echoing throughout the venue every time players stepped up to the board. Supporters and fellow players voiced their encouragement as music played in the background while spectators gathered around the dart boards to witness the deciding moments of the championship.

Southern Arrows captain Douglas Hou said the victory came through persistence and teamwork despite facing tough competition throughout the tournament.

“As the captain of Southern Arrows we really struggled to become the next champions.

“During the pool stage and along the way most of our games we usually pick up later in the match, so it’s through experience that we managed to come through to the final,” Hou said.

Hou said the team’s experience and unity played a major role in defending their title.

“We’ve been together for a long time as a team. The more you stay together, the stronger you become and that helps you become champions.

“It’s our second time winning this competition in a row. It means a lot to us because it’s not easy to defend the title,” he said.

Runner-up team captain Nelson Rorea Nono’ohimae of ATL Masina said reaching the final was already a proud achievement for his team.

“The challenge today was very tough. Coming to the final from the 34 teams that participated was a privilege for us.

“Southern Arrows are a very good team and playing them in the final was a good test for us,” he said.

Nono’ohimae added that his team learned valuable lessons from the competition and hopes to return stronger in future tournaments.

“We are newcomers to competitions like this but we have learned a lot. This tournament shows that darts in Solomon Islands is improving and gaining momentum,” he said.

Tournament organisers also hailed the championship as a successful event, noting the growing interest in the sport.

Organising committee representative Kensley Manu said the tournament has improved significantly compared to previous years.

“This year’s tournament has really improved from last year and has brought the sport to another level.

“A total of 32 teams took part and the competition was very competitive, especially with provincial teams participating,” Manu said.

He said the presence of new and young players also showed that the sport was gaining popularity.

“There were many young players and new talents this year, and that shows the event is gaining momentum,” he said.

Manu added that organisers are hopeful that the championship could expand to provinces in the future.

“This event is aiming to be taken out to the provinces so that darts can truly become a national sport,” he said.

Major sponsor Our Telekom also reaffirmed its commitment to support the development of darts in the country.

Our Telekom representative Alex Waimora said the company was proud to support the sport because it is inclusive and accessible to everyone.

“One of the reasons why we support darts is because it is an emerging sport and it involves all ages.

“Whether you are young or old, male or female, everyone can play darts,” Waimora said.

He added that livestreaming the grand final helped promote the sport to a wider audience.

“To livestream the event pushes darts to another level because people across Solomon Islands and even overseas can watch it,” Waimora said.

The championship concluded with a prize presentation ceremony where the top three teams received trophies and cash prizes, along with several consolation awards sponsored by supporting organisations.

The National Invitational Darts Championship is an annual tournament usually held during the Easter period, attracting teams from Honiara and the provinces as the sport continues to grow in popularity across the Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: Richard Menanopo

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Leo Creek Community in East Honiara has officially opened two new boreholes that will provide clean and safe water for local families.

The project, completed through a partnership between Panatina Ward 12 Councillor Lydia Yeo and the community was launched during a ceremony on Monday this week at Leo Creek, a statement by the Honiara City Council (HCC) on Monday said.

Ms Yeo said access to clean water is important, especially for societies that have struggled for years without a reliable source.

She noted that while the project may seem small compared to larger developments, it will make a big difference in daily life.

The two-borehole projects cost around $10,000.

Councillor Yeo explained that while the water is suitable for washing, residents should boil it before drinking to ensure safety.

Community members expressed gratitude saying they had waited many years for this development.

For more than two decades, families especially women and children had to walk long distances to fetch water, HCC said.

Residents said the new boreholes will ease daily burdens and improve health and living conditions in Leo Creek.

Photo credit: HCC

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]