Fugalei and Taufusi roads were closed on Monday due to floods caused by heavy rain. Shops barricaded their frontage to stop flood waters from going in.

The problem has been recurring in the last two weeks. Residents and businesses expressed concerns over this ongoing problem. 

A resident at Fugalei who did not wish to be named said this is always the case when it rains heavily. 

A local business at Savalalo, Rimani Samoa also said the flooding affected their operations.

"Flooding significantly disrupts our whole operations. Since both heavy rains (December 2024 and now January 2025) occurred during working hours, we managed to secure stocks and materials on higher shelves," said the business. 

"The first flooding in 2017 resulted in a lot of ruined stock and damaged three industrial machines. Recent flooding in December 2024, including today incurred a lot of staff downtime in cleaning and significantly reduced customer foot traffic, we had to turn some customers away due to safety and health issues.

"This impacts sales and long delays in production to make due time. For instance, we had to stop production at midday to deal with the water crisis. Very disheartening and sad with these climate mishaps which we're sure has affected all businesses one way or another."

Cars were turned away from going through the flooded roads for safety reasons. 

"Our car cannot cross over that road as the water is starting to rise. There needs to be work done here at Fugalei immediately to avoid this issue from occurring over and over. This is always the case every year, I feel for the families who stay in this area, it is not a great environment for them to live in. This is something that whoever is responsible for fixing should prioritise," said Tulema Taofi, a driver who had to turn around as his car could not cross the Fugalei road.

Shops were forced to close before 5 pm. Some shops started to work to block the water from entering their store. 

According to the weather office, the heavy rain will continue. This has prompted a heavy rain, flood and marine warning. A wind advisory has also been issued with winds at strong as 45 kilometres per hour expected.