Samoas hit by torrential rain

APIA – There has been a constant downpour of rain across the two Samoas causing flash flooding and landslides.

The Samoa Disaster Management Office says rivers throughout the country have overflown their banks, and the public is being warned to not attempt to cross them.

It says the flooding is due to the amount of rainfall experienced over the past 24 hours before yesterday morning.

The office says there is also a landslide along the Lemafa area and the Ford crossing at Tiavea tai has overflown and has been closed.

Flooding is also reporting along East Coast road, and a landslide earlier yesterday morning at Solosolo has since been cleared.

The Disaster Management Office is urging the public to use alternative routes for travelling, to slow down and remain vigilant as roads are slippery and dangerous.

In American Samoa, the last week of 2015 may have set records for rainfall.

Monday’s rainfall count was more than four inches and was expected to be eclipsed yesterday.

From midnight to 5am local time, the rain gauge at Tafuna recorded three inches of rainfall.

The National weather Service issued an early morning flash flood warning because of the rain.

Meteorologist Carol Maafala Baqui says there has been 14.7 inches of rain for the month so far which exceeds the December average of 14.52 inches.

Roads are flooded throughout the islands, presenting hazardous driving conditions.

Authorities have urged drivers to not try and drive through and against currents and those living near streams are advised to temporarily move away.

Maafala Baqui says a South Pacific convergence zone, which also acts as a trough, is responsible for the incessant downpours since the weekend.

- RNZI/PNC