Milne Bay islands brace as Cyclone Maila reaches Category 5

As severe Tropical Cyclone Maila reaches category 5 today, Milne Bay's island communities in direct path are hunkering down.

There was some calm yesterday, the winds dropping to give people a chance to regroup, restock and hunker down.

It would be towards yesterday evening for the areas of Sudest/Rossel that wind gusts and continuous heavy raining would again pick up.

People report cloud cover and poor visibility continues.

Today, Sudest reports unstable conditions remain, strong winds are persistent along with heavy rains.

Area Manager Yeleyamba Peter Momoa says the impact on communities is becoming evident, residents are advised to keep away from the shoreline where heavy waves now batter yhe shore.

People are staying indoors and have moved to safer and stronger shelters as a precaution.