Back-to-back Category 4 extreme weather events have hit Pacific island countries, affecting hundreds of thousands of people, disrupting essential services and prompting the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to call for greater investment in preparedness and early action.
Tropical Cyclone Maila struck Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea after intensifying in the Solomon Sea, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall and flooding to vulnerable coastal and island communities. Typhoon Sinlaku hit the Federated States of Micronesia, triggering a state of emergency, causing deaths and displacement, damaging homes, infrastructure and water systems, and undermining local livelihoods.
"This is yet another reminder that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and unpredictable," said Iori Kato, IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. "Without sustained investment in preparedness and early warning systems, the region risks facing devastating human and economic costs. This is a critical window for action."
In Solomon Islands, the Government declared a State of Disaster for Western and Choiseul Provinces, with impacts also reported in Isabel, Central and Guadalcanal Provinces. Preliminary estimates suggest more than 150,000 people were affected, with severe damage to homes, schools, health facilities and transport networks.
In Papua New Guinea, the Autonomous Bougainville Government declared a State of Emergency, with 22 confirmed fatalities and more than 15,000 people in urgent need of assistance. Damage and displacement were also reported in Milne Bay, East New Britain and West New Britain, with more than 65,000 people affected in East New Britain alone.
In the Federated States of Micronesia, Typhoon Sinlaku damaged homes and public buildings, disrupted power and communications, blocked roads and worsened drought-induced water shortages in Yap State, prompting a State of Emergency. At least four fatalities have been confirmed.
As governments lead response efforts, IOM is supporting national emergency coordination and delivering critical relief items, including tarpaulins, blankets, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, jerrycans, and water purification units.
In coordination with partners, IOM is distributing relief supplies in Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Micronesia, drawing on prepositioned stocks in the region. This support was made possible by the Governments of Australia, Japan and the United States, and the Korea International Cooperation Agency. IOM is also supporting data collection, including through activation of the Displacement Tracking Matrix in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, to help guide the response.
Beyond the immediate response, IOM is also working with Pacific governments to strengthen people-centred early warning systems and preparedness in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. With support from the Government of Japan, this work focuses on improving coordination, making sure warnings reach even remote communities, working more closely with radio stations and mobile networks, and helping people in high-risk areas know what to do before disasters strike.
Preliminary findings point to urgent needs for safe shelter, basic household supplies, clean water and sanitation, and access to healthcare. Restoring electricity, communications and transport links will be critical to reaching affected communities and supporting recovery.
With forecasts pointing to a possible strengthening El Niño and a potentially more severe cyclone season ahead, IOM is urging increased support for humanitarian response, preparedness and early warning systems.
