Samoa Activates National Emergency Operations Centre Due to Severe Weather

• Samoa has activated the National Emergency Operations Centre amid severe weather.
• Heavy rains and strong winds have led to school closures across the islands.
• Both ferry and airline services have been suspended between the islands.
• The Land Transport Authority is responding to extensive flooding and road closures.
• The NEOC building is equipped with advanced technology for disaster management.

Activation of National Emergency Operations Centre in Samoa

Samoa has activated its National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in response to severe weather conditions impacting the islands. This decision was officially communicated on Thursday evening through a notice signed by Vainalepa Toiata Apelu-Uili, the Acting CEO of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The Ministry oversees the Disaster Advisory Committee, responsible for managing such emergency situations. Heavy rain and strong winds have caused significant disruptions, resulting in school closures and providing public sector CEOs with the authority to shut down non-essential services starting Thursday morning.

Transport Disruptions Due to Severe Weather

The Samoa Shipping Corporation has announced it is suspending ferry services between Upolu and Savaii, along with halting its weekly voyage to American Samoa due to the adverse weather conditions. Both airlines, Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways, have also grounded flights between the islands. Meanwhile, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) warned of excessive flooding and multiple road closures affecting Upolu and Savaii. The LTA worked tirelessly overnight to clear major roads, addressing issues caused by fallen trees and landslides. Their final report on the situation was published at midnight Friday, indicating the severity of the weather impact.

NEOC Serves as Emergency Response Hub for Samoa

Since its opening in October 2020, the NEOC building located at Tuanaimato has served as a crucial hub for coordinating the national response to disasters. The facility, which was developed at a cost of approximately $6.4 million tala, is designed with modern technology to efficiently handle emergencies, ranging from natural disasters to public health crises. Among its features, the building houses a high-level radio network, a backup generator to ensure operations during power outages, and a dedicated water supply supported by 10,000-liter tanks. This preparedness is essential as Samoa navigates through the current severe weather challenges.

In summary, the activation of Samoa’s National Emergency Operations Centre reflects a proactive approach to managing serious weather disturbances. The severe conditions have disrupted transportation and prompted necessary closures for the safety of citizens. With modern infrastructure and preparedness measures in place, Samoa is poised to address the challenges posed by this natural event effectively.