Severe Weather System Devastates Samoa, Triggering Floods and Major Traffic Disruptions

A powerful weather system wreaked havoc across Samoa beginning Thursday night and lasting into Friday morning, triggering widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and significant traffic disruptions. The Samoa Meteorological Service (SMS) had issued a severe weather update on Thursday afternoon, cautioning residents about the impending heavy rainfall and accompanying flood advisory for various regions. As predicted, the weather conditions deteriorated, resulting in heavy downpours that created poor visibility and slippery roads, while raising the risk of landslides. By Friday afternoon, the severe weather warning remained active for all land areas, with continued flood alerts for major rivers and vulnerable locations. The capital, Apia, bore the brunt of the storm, recording an astonishing 147 millimeters of rainfall by Friday morning—equivalent to nearly 15 centimeters or about 5.8 inches. This deluge overwhelmed regions with inadequate drainage systems, leading to severe flooding in low-lying neighborhoods like Fugalei, Taufusi, Savalalo, Saleufi, Matautu, and Moamoa. In the aftermath of the storm, many businesses in these affected areas found themselves forced to close as they dealt with the aftermath of flooding. Business owners scrambled to clear out debris and clean flooded facilities before they could resume operations. The floodwaters even brought in a considerable amount of rubbish, necessitating thorough cleanup efforts from local proprietors. The storm's impact extended beyond flooding; substantial damage was inflicted on infrastructure, particularly roadways. Access roads in Lauli'i were overwhelmed with extreme water runoff, creating hazardous driving conditions. As a result, the public was urged to exercise caution, and drive carefully to avoid accidents. By Friday morning, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) had confirmed the arrival of contractors to Lauli'i to clear debris and restore safety to the area. Additionally, a minor landslide in Luatuanu'u added to the challenges faced by local authorities and residents. The LTA cautioned motorists to remain vigilant and prepared for delays due to ongoing cleanup and repair operations. Traffic disruptions were another major consequence of the storm. Apia's main thoroughfares were heavily congested, with vehicles caught in gridlock as commuters navigated through flood-affected areas. The hazardous conditions created by the flooding resulted in significant delays and bottlenecks, complicating the daily commute for countless individuals trying to reach their workplaces. In light of these challenges, the Land Transport Authority emphasized the necessity for the public to exercise caution and plan for extended travel times, as several parts of the road network remained temporarily impassable. As the weather system continued to unleash heavy rain, authorities urged citizens to stay informed about the latest updates and weather forecasts. For those in flood-affected zones, the Samoa Meteorological Service reiterated the importance of avoiding flooded roads and refraining from attempting to cross overflowing rivers, as safety must remain a priority in the face of this severe weather event.