Woodlark communities unite to rebuild after TC Maila

Sunday, 19 April 2026, 2:45 pm

Frames of a house being put together at Guasopa, Woodlark Island. (NBC News)

Communities on Woodlark Island are reportedly helping each other repair homes damaged during Cyclone Maila.

Reports reaching NBC News say they've banded together and are moving house to house, repairing walls and roofs, temporary fixtures for return of some normalcy.

House walls made out of woven coconut leaves. (NBC News)

Guasopa ward councilor John Toeba confirms for his ward, over 8 houses were completely flattened and families now are living with relatives.

He says his WDC has acknowledged this would be a burden on others and have decided building them temporary shelters would ease this.

A woman weaves coconut leaves to make house walls. (NBC News)

He confirms they are moving house to house, repairing what they can with material they can source while waiting for Govermment assistance.