Introduction
In April 2026, the normally cyclone-resistant regions of Papua New Guinea faced an unprecedented natural disaster. Tropical Cyclone Maila, a powerful storm that defied the country’s typical weather patterns, unleashed torrential rains that triggered deadly landslides in the Gazelle district of East New Britain. Satellite imagery from NASA’s Landsat 9 captured the stark before-and-after scenes, revealing the extent of the destruction.
An Unusual Cyclone Threat
Papua New Guinea, located near the equator, rarely experiences tropical cyclones. The Coriolis effect, necessary for cyclone formation, is weak in this region, especially in northern areas. However, in early April 2026, exceptionally warm sea surface temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions gave rise to Cyclone Maila—a Category 4 storm on Australia’s cyclone intensity scale (equivalent to Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale used for hurricanes). The storm’s slow movement allowed its rainbands to repeatedly pound the islands of Bougainville, New Britain, and New Ireland.
Heavy Rains Trigger Landslides
The prolonged heavy rainfall saturated the steep, mountainous terrain of the Baining Mountains in the Gazelle district. On or around April 9, 2026, the soaked slopes gave way, triggering multiple landslides. According to news reports, these events resulted in several fatalities. The landslides carved fresh scars through dense tropical forests, leaving behind light-brown swaths of exposed soil and debris that contrasted sharply with the surrounding green vegetation.
Satellite Evidence of the Destruction
NASA’s Landsat 9 satellite, using its Operational Land Imager (OLI), captured a clear image of the aftermath on April 20, 2026. The image shows landslide debris extending northward toward a nearby river valley. In contrast, a September 24, 2025 image of the same area shows intact forest with no landslide scars. The Toriu River and other sediment-laden waterways are visible east of the slide zones, highlighting the flow of debris.
Precipitation Data from GPM
NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission provided satellite-based precipitation estimates that confirmed the extreme rainfall amounts contributed by Cyclone Maila. The data revealed that the storm’s slow movement caused repeated heavy downpours, significantly increasing the risk of landslides in the already vulnerable terrain.
Impact and Ongoing Recovery
The landslides not only claimed lives but also disrupted local communities and ecosystems. The debris flows damaged roads and infrastructure, hampering rescue and relief efforts. As of late April 2026, authorities were assessing the full extent of the damage. The event underscores the growing threat of extreme weather events even in regions traditionally considered safe from cyclones.
For more information on similar events, see our article on landslide risks in tropical regions.