A landslide in the remote Lamarain area of Gazelle District, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, killed 10 people after prolonged heavy rain linked to Tropical Cyclone Maila. Local community accounts said the victims had been sheltering in makeshift garden houses after flooding cut off access between their village and gardens.
Cyclone Vaianu crossed New Zealand’s North Island on Sunday, April 12, 2026, bringing damaging winds, torrential rain, and large swells that caused flooding, evacuations, power outages, and transport disruption across several districts. The storm made landfall near the Māketū Peninsula in Bay of Plenty shortly after 14:00 LT on Sunday before tracking southeast and moving offshore later that evening. Cleanup continued on Monday as authorities assessed slips, flood damage and coastal impacts.
Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to move south across New Zealand’s North Island on Sunday, April 12, 2026, bringing a multi-hazard threat, including damaging winds up to 140 km/h (87 mph), heavy rainfall, and coastal inundation risk. A Red Strong Wind Warning is in force for the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island, with widespread Orange warnings and watches covering much of the North Island and upper South Island. Significant disruption to transport, power supply, and communities is expected.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Vaianu was located south of Fiji on April 8, 2026, producing localized flooding while weakening under strong wind shear. The system is forecast to transition into an extra-tropical system before moving toward New Zealand, where damaging winds, heavy rain, and hazardous coastal conditions are expected during the weekend of April 11-12.
Tropical Cyclone Vaianu reached Category 3 intensity near Fiji on April 7, 2026, generating heavy rainfall exceeding 140 mm (5.5 inches), flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds. Authorities have issued multiple warnings across Fiji, including for flooding and dangerous marine conditions. The system is tracking southeast toward New Zealand, where severe weather impacts are forecast later this week.
