Strong winds and heavy rain affects Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation

April 13 2026,

Cyclone Maila, which impacted the Solomon Islands, also affected significant parts of Bougainville, particularly coastal areas. The Nazareth Centre of Rehabilitation was similarly affected by strong winds and heavy rainfall from April 6^th to 10^th. Given NCfR’s location on the west coast, it bore the brunt of the strong winds. The winds peaked on April 9^th, causing several trees to collapse, with some narrowly missing buildings within the centre, and branches falling onto roofs.

A tree fell on top a building

tree uprooted by the strong winds

The strong winds and heavy rains affected the entire island of Bougainville, impacting staff attendance at work. Many staff members reside outside Chabai, located in the rural Selau District, and faced difficulties commuting due to the bad weather. The hazardous conditions, particularly the rough and unsafe Buka Passage, deterred staff living on Buka Island from attempting to cross and travel to work.

The adverse weather conditions disrupted communication services, impacting both mobile network coverage and internet access. The lack of reliable internet posed significant challenges for the Gender Based Violence to Gender Justice Healing team, as they were approaching a critical reporting deadline at the end of the quarter. The poor connectivity hindered staff’s ability to submit reports in a timely manner.

The NCfR community and neighboring villages along the west coast of Selau District also suffered the impacts of strong winds and heavy rains, with damage reported to houses and gardens. Prolonged rainfall has damaged food crops, potentially leading to imminent food shortages. The adverse weather has disrupted livelihoods, preventing people from tending to cash crops and fishing, which are crucial sources of income and protein. The road connecting the west coast to the main highway was blocked by fallen trees and flooding, disrupting PMV services and hindering access to markets, town and healthcare services. This has also affected employees commuting to town for work.

In the aftermath, strong winds have subsided, and communities are undertaking restoration efforts. Given the west coast’s limited government support, local residents are clearing debris, including removing trees blocking the road. However, food shortages are anticipated due to extensive damage to garden crops from the heavy rains and winds.

A pawpaw tree fell on the classroom in the NCfR

Some damages caused by the strong