HONIARA, June 11, 2026 - The World Bank has released US$5 million in financing to support Solomon Islands' ongoing response and recovery following Tropical Cyclone Maila, which caused severe damage across Western, Choiseul, and Isabel provinces. The cyclone damaged homes, schools, health facilities, roads, and other critical infrastructure, leaving thousands of people facing disrupted livelihoods and reduced access to essential services.
The financing was made available following a formal request from the Government of Solomon Islands and the declaration of a State of Disaster in April 2026. It will provide additional support to help the government meet urgent needs, restore essential services, and assist affected communities as recovery efforts continue.
Tropical Cyclone Maila reached Category 5 intensity, with winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour. An estimated 150000 people were affected, with homes, 81 schools and 21 health facilities damaged or non-operational, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure damaged across some of the country's most exposed provinces.
"This financing will provide practical support for Solomon Islands as the government continues its response and the difficult work of recovery," said Bernard Harborne, Country Representative, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. "In Pacific nations like Solomon Islands, disasters can quickly disrupt lives, services, and livelihoods. Having pre-arranged financing in place helps governments access resources when disasters strike and keep support moving to affected communities."
The funds are being provided through Solomon Islands' Catastrophe-Deferred Drawdown Option, which was approved in 2023. This instrument gives countries access to pre-arranged financing following a declared natural disaster.
Together with support from partners including the Asian Development Bank, this financing will contribute to the Government's USD 15 million (SBD 120 million) recovery plan to reopen schools, restore health services, and help communities rebuild.
The World Bank continues to work closely with the Government of Solomon Islands and development partners to strengthen disaster preparedness, public financial management, and long-term resilience to climate and disaster risks.
