Fugalei was perhaps one of the worst hit villages by the floods caused by the heavy rain and blocked drains on Thursday night and Friday morning.

On Friday, the village looked like a scene of carnage. There were litter and other debris everywhere as excavators arrived to clear the village.

The village had turned into a river. Water had entered some homes while many were unable to clean their homes because of water cuts.

According to 48-year-old Fugalei resident A'emalo Manuleleua, they are concerned about the health risks posed by the flood. He said this was problem that has plagued them for decades.

"This issue has persisted for more than 48 years, and we have already approached the government for assistance and to take action regarding the situation in their area," he said.

"There is nothing we can do to stop the river from flooding. The drains are blocked and they are not being cleared causing this flooding."

The people of Fugalei encounter power outages and water cuts whenever flooding happens. The floods this week were described as the worst they had seen for years.

"The people who live close to the river have had their properties damaged. We have written to the government for assistance for years, but we have not heard back, and the heavy rains are destroying many of our family's possessions," said Manuleleua. 

“Occasionally, when it rains a lot, we will undoubtedly lose electricity since accidents may occur due to the water and flooding entering family homes, and we are quite afraid that someone may be killed.

"Since we live close to the river, the issue has persisted for years and has been quite difficult for us. It continues to occur today.

“The river is affecting not just us but also other families and villages including Lepea, Fugalei, and Savalalo." 

Manuleleua said the governments have changed but the problem remained. He said the village has not had a member of the government visit them.

"I pray that maybe in the future the government will take a look at the problem and maybe do something about it."