Port Moresby, 15 April 2026 – Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has announced an intensified national response following updated reports on the impact of Cyclone Maila across several parts of Papua New Guinea, with immediate relief funding released and high-level visits planned to affected regions.
Speaking at a press conference at Melanesian Haus, Waigani, the Prime Minister confirmed that the Government is now receiving situation reports from provinces, districts, and local-level governments, providing a clearer picture of the scale of devastation.
“We are in a disaster situation. Reports are now coming in, and the weather conditions are still ongoing. I want to assure our people that the Government is fully engaged and responding,” Prime Minister Marape said.
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K30 Million Immediate Relief Allocation
The Prime Minister announced that the National Government has allocated K5 million each to affected provinces as immediate relief support, totalling K30 million for six impacted provinces, including Milne Bay Province and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
“There is K5 million each going to the affected provinces as start-up support for water, medicines, food, and rations for our people,” he said.
“The Government has made funding available to ensure our provincial leaders can immediately distribute essential relief supplies while we await full assessment reports.”
Prime Minister Marape further confirmed that a comprehensive Cabinet submission is being prepared to address the full cost of recovery and rehabilitation.
“Next week, Cabinet will consider a full paper capturing the total cost of rebuilding and rehabilitation,” he said.
“As full reports come in, we will determine the total cost of reconstruction and make provisions in this year’s and next year’s budgets to restore livelihoods.”
Milne Bay Among Hardest Hit
The Prime Minister expressed particular concern for Milne Bay Province, describing it as one of the hardest-hit areas due to its low-lying island geography.
“I am told Milne Bay has been severely affected. Many of the islands are low-lying atolls, and rising sea levels combined with heavy rains have destroyed food gardens and contaminated water sources,” he said.
“My heart goes out to our people there. You are not alone—we will do everything possible to help you rebuild your lives.”
Prime Minister to Visit Affected Areas
Prime Minister Marape confirmed plans to travel to Milne Bay later this week, weather permitting, to assess the situation firsthand and support affected communities.
“I am arranging transport and, if conditions allow, I intend to be in Milne Bay from Friday through the weekend to visit our people and see firsthand the impact of this disaster,” he said.
The visit will include affected island communities where urgent needs are being identified.
Ministerial Deployment and Coordination
The Minister for Works and Highways, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili, will also travel to affected regions, including Bougainville, to coordinate infrastructure assessments and response efforts.
Provincial administrations, District Development Authorities (DDAs), and Local-Level Governments (LLGs) have been directed to expedite reporting and work closely with the National Government to ensure a coordinated response.
Preparing for Climate Challenges
Prime Minister Marape emphasised the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters and the need for national preparedness.
“We must accept that weather patterns are changing. Events like Cyclone Maila are becoming more frequent, and we must adapt as a nation,” he said.
He indicated that the Government will pursue long-term resilience programmes, particularly for vulnerable island communities.
Message of Solidarity
The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming the Government’s support for all affected citizens.
“We stand in total solidarity with our people who have lost homes, livelihoods, and, in some cases, loved ones. The Government will walk with you through this difficult time,” he said.
