09/04 • PACIFIC CYCLONES

Two powerful cyclones are impacting the Pacific region, bringing both immediate danger and a renewed reminder of how vulnerable many communities remain to extreme weather.

In the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea region, Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila has reached Category 5 intensity. Reports indicate destructive winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and storm surge are affecting island communities, including Bougainville.

Early indications suggest provinces such as Western, Isabel, Choiseul and parts of Malaita have been significantly impacted, with damage still being assessed. Local partners continue to deliver relief supplies, while urgent needs — including access to clean water — are already being addressed.

Further south, Cyclone Vaianu is tracking toward Aotearoa New Zealand, with forecasts suggesting it could bring strong winds, heavy rain and large swells across parts of the North Island. Authorities are urging preparation, particularly in regions already saturated from recent weather, where flooding and landslides remain a real risk.

While the contexts differ — one already responding to damage, the other preparing for impact — both situations point to the same reality: communities across the Pacific are increasingly exposed to severe and unpredictable weather.

PRAYER POINTS:

• We pray for those already affected by Cyclone Maila, for safety, shelter and swift delivery of relief to communities facing damage, flooding and loss.
  
  
• We pray for those in the path of Cyclone Vaianu, that preparation efforts would be effective and that people would be kept safe from harm.
  
  
• We pray for resilience across the Pacific, for strength in recovery, wisdom in response, and long-term solutions for communities facing repeated climate-related disasters.

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