Severe Weather Causes Flooding in Samoa and Fiji: Travel Warnings Issued

January 9, 2025

Severe weather conditions continue to disrupt daily life in Samoa and Fiji as heavy rainfall leads to flooding, landslides, and road closures. Authorities in both countries are urging residents to prioritize safety and remain vigilant.

Samoa: Persistent Rain and Flood Risks

In Samoa, an active convergence zone has brought significant rainfall, gusty winds, and rough seas, with wave heights exceeding 3 meters in some areas. The Samoa Meteorological Service has warned that these conditions are likely to persist through Saturday.

Key Risks:

• Flooding in low-lying areas and along major rivers.
• Landslides in mountainous and hilly regions.
• Hazardous road conditions, including poor visibility and slippery surfaces.
• Rising waterways and pooling along roadsides.

Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors if possible, and remain alert to weather updates. The next severe weather update will be issued at 5:00 p.m. today.

Fiji: Heavy Rain and Public Safety Alerts

In Fiji, heavy rainfall has led to widespread flooding across the Central and Northern Divisions, with several rural roads closed and warnings in effect for Yasawa, Southern Bua, and Cakaudrove Province. The Fiji Meteorological Services (FMS) reports that these conditions are due to a slow-moving trough of low-pressure expected to ease by Thursday.

Road Closures (as of January 9, 2025):

• Central Division:

  • Savu Road (Naitasiri) – Flooded.
  • Viria Village Road – Flooded crossing.
  • Vatulili Road – Flooded crossing.
  • Nabukaluka Delailasakau Road – Multiple hazards, including landslides and washouts.

• Northern Division:

  • Coqeloa Road (Qelemumu Crossing) – Flooded.
  • Vunivutu Road – Flooded.
  • Dreketilailai Road (Konasami Crossing) – Flooded.
  • Vuniyalayala Road (Vuniyalayala Crossing) – Flooded.

Public Advisory:
The National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) is closely monitoring the situation and has issued safety guidelines:

• Avoid crossing flooded rivers, streams, and walkways. Water above knee level is considered dangerous.
• Practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses like leptospirosis, typhoid, dengue, and diarrhea.
• Boil all drinking water and store food in clean, sealed containers.

For real-time updates, visit the Fiji Meteorological Service or check the Fiji Roads Authority Facebook page for road closures and emergency updates.

Health and Hygiene Precautions

Both countries are urging their citizens to remain cautious of health risks posed by floods, including waterborne diseases. Residents should boil water for consumption, avoid consuming spoiled food, and follow public health advisories.

Stay connected to official government channels for the latest updates and safety guidelines.

For Fiji, emergency contact numbers are:

• Police: 917
• NFA: 910
• FRA: 5720

For Samoa, further details will be provided by the Meteorological Service at www.samet.gov.ws.

Together, communities are reminded to prioritize safety and look out for one another during these challenging times.

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By Tikilounge Productions & Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa
Arts & Culture Journalist Destiny Momoiseā