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
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