Members of Tiavea Aleipata take part in a community tsunami preparedness programme aimed at strengthening local awareness, evacuation planning and emergency response. Photo: MNRE Samoa

The village of Tiavea Aleipata has taken further steps to improve its readiness for tsunami emergencies through a series of community-based preparedness activities.

The programme was delivered by the Disaster Management Office and the Meteorological Service under Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Women from Tiavea Aleipata take part in discussions during the village’s tsunami preparedness and community awareness programme. Photo: MNRE Samoa

Village leaders, families and members of the community took part in awareness sessions, evacuation mapping and practical preparedness exercises designed to help residents understand tsunami risks and respond quickly when an official warning is issued.

Participants were provided with information about tsunami warning systems, evacuation procedures and the safest routes to designated evacuation areas.

The activities form part of the Tsunami Ready Initiative, which works with vulnerable coastal communities to strengthen emergency response capabilities and reduce the risk of injury and loss of life during tsunami events.

Tamā ma lona atali’i take part in an evacuation mapping activity during Tiavea Aleipata’s tsunami preparedness programme. Photo: MNRE Samoa

The Ministry said community participation is essential to ensuring residents know what actions to take and where to go during an emergency.

It thanked the people and leaders of Tiavea Aleipata for their commitment to building a safer and more resilient village.

The Ministry also acknowledged UNESCO and USAID for supporting tsunami preparedness and disaster resilience initiatives across Samoa.