Samoa Activates National Emergency Operations Centre Due to Severe Weather Conditions
- Samoa activates National Emergency Operations Centre due to severe weather.
- Heavy rain led to school closures and halted public services.
- Samoa Shipping Corporation and airlines suspended services between islands.
- Land Transport Authority cleared blocked roads and reported flooding.
- National Emergency Operations Centre equipped for disaster response.
Emergency Operations Centre Responds to Severe Weather
Samoa’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has been activated in response to severe weather affecting the islands. The notice, which was issued on Thursday evening, comes from Vainalepa Toiata Apelu-Uili, who is the Acting CEO of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment overseeing the Disaster Advisory Committee. This activation signifies urgency as the country faces adverse conditions that include heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Transport Disruptions Due to Bad Weather
Due to this catastrophic weather, schools were closed, and public sector workers were advised to halt non-essential services on Thursday morning. Furthermore, significant disruptions were faced in transportation; Samoa Shipping Corporation has suspended ferry services between Upolu and Savaii, and the scheduled voyage to American Samoa was also cancelled. Meanwhile, both airlines, Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways, halted their flights connecting the two Samoas; this has added to concerns in light of the excessive flooding reported by the Land Transport Authority.
Infrastructure Strengthens Disaster Response
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has been working through the night to clear major roads that have been blocked by fallen trees and landslides. Their final report, which was issued at midnight on Friday, highlighted the severity of the flooding and road closures on both Upolu and Savaii islands. The NEOC, opened in October 2020, plays a crucial role during crises and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a high-level radio network, emergency backup generator, and independent water supply, all critical for responding to natural disasters and emergencies.
In summary, Samoa has activated its National Emergency Operations Centre as heavy rains and strong winds lead to significant disruptions, including school closures and halted transportation. The ongoing work by the Land Transport Authority highlights the urgency of addressing the storm’s aftermath. Equipped with trained personnel and modern facilities, the NEOC stands ready to coordinate the response to these challenges and safeguard the community.
