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Samoa reviews Cyclone and Tsunami
EaƱyWarnn System
The Samoan Government, led by its Meteorology Division and Disaster Management Office, with the support
of UNESCO /IOC and the SPC, conducted a review of Samoa's national early warning systems for tropical cyclone
and tsunami hazards from 27 February -5 March, 2013. The review process commenced internally between
staff members of the two lead agencies and was later extended to members of the National Disaster Advisory
Committee. The main highlight of the review was a one day public consultation which was attended by over 90
representatives from various villages within Upolu and the business sector.
The review was prompted by the 2009 Tsunami and lately by Tropical Cyclone Evan which caused widespread
damage in both Upolu and Savaii. Ms Filomena Nelson the Assistant CEO - Disaster stated that "the early
warning system for cyclone and tsunami had been in place for a number of years and it needs strengthening to
reflect the increase in frequency and intensity of these hazards ". Mr Lameko Talia who is in charge of tsunami
warning stated that "the 2009 tsunami provided a great challenge to his team since the waves had arrived
before the PTWC were able to provide the warning ".
In opening the community consultations, Mr. Mulipola Ausetalia Titimaea encouraged representatives from
villages and businesses to give their true reflections on the language used in the warnings, the adequacy of the
communications means used to disseminate the warnings and the frequency of warnings so that they improve
to better meet the end receivers' expectations ".
The feedback and suggestions from the village and business community was particularly interesting and
highlighted the difficulties people face with present Early Warning Systems (EWS), especially when it comes
to the language of the warning bulletins. Community representatives commonly requested advice on how
to prepare during Warning phases. For example, what should the public do during 'Watch', 'Warning' and
'Advisory/ Information' phases? It was agreed that warnings were easier and more rapidly communicated
using SMS texts but that there was a need to increase national capacity in this system. Discussions also
highlighted the need for greater awareness of both the warning systems and how to best respond to save lives
and property.
Evident wind damage
Comparison of flood heights recorded in the lower Vaisigano against 1D model
1:100 year floods.
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