It was back in early April 2026 when Tropical Cyclone Maila crossed Solomon Islands—severely impacting Western Province. One of the islands hit hardest was South Choiseul, home to all the incredible forest carbon work that fit into the Babatana Rainforest Conservation Project.
Violent wind and waves generated by the cyclone battered the village of Sasamungga that runs close to the shoreline. “It was the waves that were the worst,” says Fred, Program Manager at NRDF and whose family comes from Choiseul.
“Huge waves just kept coming for three days and they did far more damage than the wind.”
Houses were severely damaged, and stores had to be cleared because of rising water. Coastal food gardens were flooded with salt water and destroyed. The road and sections of coastline were washed away by waves.
Sasamungga Hospital was partially destroyed—the administration, outpatient and pharmacy blocks gone. Most medicines and medical equipment, including the X-ray machine, were lost.
Massive community impact
On higher ground, the rainforest remained healthy and intact, and the various Babatana forest carbon projects continue as usual. But down by the sea, people are facing a massive recovery effort.
For Sirebe Tribe, several small businesses, including the mechanical workshop established with carbon income from the Sirebe Forest Carbon Project, were washed away during the worst of the storm.
“People are still traumatised today. Although small recovery efforts are underway, many remain demoralised and unsure where to start,” says Linford Jajo Pitatamae, Operations Manager for the Sirebe project.
Linford said the Sirebe Tribe has supported recovery efforts by providing members with tools and timber to repair homes—funded by Sirebe’s carbon income. They have also helped the wider community by using chainsaws to clear debris and providing logistical support with fuel and boats. And financially supported two families from Sirebe to relocate.
Sirebe and Siporae are currently the only Babatana tribes receiving income from their forest carbon projects, placing them in a better position than some other community members and emphasising the importance of market access and income for remote island communities.
Sasamungga before and after the cyclone
The long road
Losing the hospital has especially impacted the entire Sasamungga community. Lucy Pitatamae is a Senior Nurse there who explained they had to move the medical centre.
“Because the outpatient block was damaged, we moved and set up a small emergency clinic at Tanabo, a Sirebe settlement, in the days after the cyclone. We now run outpatient services from an emergency tent provided by donors.”
Patients requiring specialised medical treatment are referred to hospitals in Taro and Gizo. However, it's a two-hour boat ride to Taro, before you can fly to Gizo, and only when planes are running.
“The government sent officers to assess the damage, but limited assistance—such as medicine and emergency tents—have been provided,” says Wilko Bosma, from NRDF and Nakau.
Recovery is happening but moving slowly. People are clearing their properties and replanting trees. The main challenge is the road linking the Sasamungga communities.
“The road has been washed away, and even the hospital ambulance can no longer reach the communities,” says Lucy.
Linford said village committees are discussing plans for a new road further inland. However, this will require careful consultation because the proposed route crosses land owned by several tribes and clans.
Many people in Sasamungga see Tropical Cyclone Maila as a turning point, prompting them to rethink where they build homes and sustain their livelihoods. As climate change intensifies, relocating away from the coast may become the new normal.
“Here, our environment is an example of climate change,” says Peter Calso from Vuri Clan. “The level of our sea has moved. Before our place [homes] were far from the sea, now it comes closer to the place we live.”
Credits are climate finance
The climate-fuelled impact of this cyclone in Sasamungga is evidence that those with the smallest carbon footprint are suffering first and hardest. It's a classic case where climate change is undermining efforts to improve lives in a country where many face economic hardship. This is why climate justice is part of the carbon credit story, and should be a critical factor when deciding where to source credits.
Investing in Solomon Islands can help rectify an imbalance in global responsibility. Justice means recognising who caused the problem, who suffers the most, and being part of a fair and equitable solution