As the nation braces for more bad weather during the next few days, spare a thought for the family of 60-year-old mother, Akenese Pone Iese,  of Fasito'o.

The elderly mother is praying hard that a cyclone is not formed because she knows her humble home is not strong enough to withstand a cyclone of any category.

The Samoa Meteorological Office has warned members of the public to prepare for the possibility that a storm may develop and could intensify into a cyclone in the days to come.

For Ms. Iese’s family, they have started making preparations.

On the roof of their fale, they have placed rocks and have used a rope to tie down whatever they can. 

Her husband, son and granddaughter are the only ones that occupy their small home.

“We have lived in our home for more than three years,” she said.

The mother of three told the Village Voice team that because they do not use iron roofing to completely cover their roof they experience leaks from rain water.

“Our family struggles greatly during the rainy days but now that our country will have heavy rainfall accompanied with strong winds it is a great concern," she said.

“We pray that our home does not fall apart because it is not a stable structure.”

She added that they cannot afford to purchase building materials because they face financial difficulties.

“With strong winds it always makes it easier for the rain to get inside our home and even though we have tarpaulins, we don’t have enough to cover all sides.

“There is no one employed in our family and we depend on our plantation for food supplies.

“We were fortunate to have been given a water tank to save water so we can use it for consumption and other uses.”

If you are willing to help the family of Ms. Iese please contact the number: 7623839.