Extreme ocean currents and tidal surges caused major damage to the US$10 million Friendship Park behind the Government Building forcing it to close to members of the public until rehabilitation work can be done. Families attempting to visit the Park were turned away.

Rocks from the seawall were washed onto the park by the waves, the wooden fence was broken and scattered all over the park, plants that took years to grow were destroyed, and most of the park was left as a soggy mess of its former self.

The Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) closed the park on Wednesday while its employees cleared out the rubbish and mud as well as debris lying around the park.

The security who witnessed the park turn muddy in the early hours of Tuesday, Finau Siaosi Mulipola said it was heartbreaking to see how millions of dollars worth of work was destroyed in a matter of minutes.

"It was in the early hours of Tuesday when I just started my shift and witnessed everything turn muddy and get destroyed by the strong waves. This was my first time seeing this," he said.

"It's a good place for families to have fun and enjoy and even my family come here because they now have a good spot where they can enjoy and spend time with each other and have a pizza.

"It's also good to see people and families coming in with smiles and just have a safe time around the park but now it's all gone down the drain given that the damages are not so little."

Principal Communications Officer for S.T.A Taimalelagi Tutuila Tafua told this newspaper that the authority is now working on how much the damages with cost and how long they can work on reparations.

He said it might take two to three weeks or even more but will advise the country once the park is completely repaired and safe for families and tourists.

Samoa Observer took a short trip around the park on Wednesday and witnessed tourists and families walking up to the waterfront and got stopped by security as the park was closed.

The park has six different areas set amongst a safe and culturally friendly environment that families and visitors can enjoy especially the main stage which is surrounded by tiered seating for public shows and entertainment, the children’s playground,  a mangrove tidal garden with a timber boardwalk,  an open sports area for public use, a small rest area made up of small Samoan style Fales with a refreshment station, and a small area allocated for temporary pop up market stalls

The China-funded park covers 40 acres of land behind the FMFM II Government Building and marks the partnered friendship between the two countries.