The World Bank has approved $94 million in new funding to help Samoa prepare for natural disasters, protect livelihoods, and create jobs.

The funding will support about 180,000 people, roughly 80 per cent of the country’s population, by improving how Samoa prepares for and recovers from climate-related events.

Samoa is highly exposed to hazards such as cyclones, floods, and tsunamis. More than 70 per cent of its people live in low-lying coastal areas, making them vulnerable to rising seas and extreme weather.

The Samoa project, known as the Pacific Region Preparedness, Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE), will be carried out by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure.

It aims to strengthen early warning systems, improve key infrastructure, and support safer urban planning. It will also help reduce damage to businesses and jobs during disasters.

A large part of the project will focus on Sālelologa on Savai‘i, where about 40,000 people are expected to benefit from stronger infrastructure and better planning.

The program will also create jobs by funding construction work and training at least 300 workers in disaster warning systems. At least half of those involved in urban planning committees will be women.

“We are committed to supporting Samoa, so communities are better prepared for disasters,” said Stefano Mocci. 

He said the project will help protect lives, businesses, and the economy.

The funding includes a US$5 million grant from the Systematic Observations Financing Facility to improve weather monitoring, as well as US$500,000 set aside for emergency response in times of crisis.

Project preparation was supported by international disaster risk management programs backed by global partners.