Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila is moving through the Solomon Sea and is expected to continue heading south-west over the coming days, according to weather authorities.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology said the storm reached peak sustained winds of 115mph (185kph) on Thursday, with gusts of up to 160mph. That made Maila the strongest cyclone recorded this far north in the Solomon Sea.
The cyclone has already caused widespread destruction across the Solomon Islands, with the worst impacts reported in Western, Choiseul and Isabel provinces. Schools, clinics and homes have been damaged as the storm continues to affect communities across the region.
Humanitarian response under way
The Solomon Islands government is now prioritising humanitarian assistance in response to the damage. Around 120 people have been displaced, while almost 73,000 people have been affected overall.
The storm has brought disruption and damage to a wide area, adding pressure on local authorities and aid efforts as Maila continues its path through the Solomon Sea.
