Guasopa Health center cyclone battered, patients sent home

Guasopa Health Center on Woodlark Island has scaled down its operations to only emergency cases after it suffered structural damage this week, effevmcts of severe Tropical Cyclone Maila passing through.

Nursing officers on the ground confirm that rain had inundated their wards, strong winds partially blew off their roof, and it was relatively unsafe for anyone to remain in.

The health center located next to Guasopa airstrip is a few meters away from the sea and sustained heavy damage earlier this week.

At this stage, they report that they can only provide emergency care wherever they can while humanitarian services continue without referrals.

CEO of the Milne Bay Health Authority, Dr Perista Mamadi, tells NBC News that there is damage to the health facility, but we've yet to receive a proper report on the extent of damage and services at this time.

The health center caters to around 11 aidpost areas within Murua LLG.