Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has completed its community disaster and climate risk management (CDCRM) in Saipipi Savai'i as part of its community awareness.

ADRA Samoa has carried out similar response exercises and drills with other communities in Upolu and has brought it to Savai'i for a change. The village of Saipipi now has a fair understanding of the CDCRM which is timely as Samoa enters into cyclone season. With the community now equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills, they are more prepared to respond to potential hazards and disasters.

This was a five-day program starting from 13–17 November as part of the Samoa Government's National CDCRM programme with the objective of enhancing community resilience and preparations in response to climate and risk disasters.

ADRA Samoa in collaboration with the Disaster Management Office (DMO) implemented the idea with support from various agencies such as the Ministry of Police, Prisons & Correction Services, Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Samoa Red Cross Society, Ministry of Health, Samoa Family Health Association, Nuanua Ole Alofa, Faataua Le Ola, Samoa Meteorology Division of MNRE, that has yet contributed to the successful implementation of Saipipi Community’s CDCRM Programme.

Together they were able to deliver awareness and understanding of these villages on their vulnerabilities and capacities through an assessment process, improve their weather and climate information including suitable delivery mechanisms and educational materials, help with familiarizing with different agencies involved in times of disasters, establishment of village response teams, and training for the village community.

On the fourth day, they ran a simulation exercise similar to the tsunami drill that occurred on 8 November 2023. The village response Committees were provided with safety vests and tasked to apply the skills and knowledge from their training.

Saipipi, Savaii is the fourth of 20 villages that were supported over the two-year Mau I le To’o project which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Pacific American Fund (PAF) and is currently implemented by ADRA Samoa.