A family living in the Taumeasina area have expressed concern about the impact of flooding on their land which is triggered by heavy rain and can become an infection risk for family members. 

Faatuai Auvaa, who lives with her family at Taumeasina, has seen how heavy downpours now result in large pools of water remaining on their land next to their home for days after the rain. 

She said the flooding covers a big portion of their family land and most times takes time to dry with other families nearby also having similar experiences.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer on Monday afternoon, Mrs. Auvaa said that the impact of the flooding has affected them for a very long time and she is of the view that the sea water may also be contributing to the issue.

"The water gets in if there is heavy rainfall and also at the back because it is in a low area," she said.

According to Mrs. Auvaa, sandbags don’t stop the water from flowing into their home when it rises due to heavy rain.

Asked if they have any plans to build up their defences against flooding including the use of rocks, she said that they have thought about it but access to finance is a challenge.

She pointed out that it was only when Cyclone Ofa hit that items in their house started floating but in previous years the water usually stopped at the stairs.

"If it is sunny for three days then it will start to dry. If it is only sunny for one day a week then the water will remain here," she said.

The risk of infection from the flood waters is a concern for Mrs. Auvaa who said that they worry about germs which could be exposed by the floods. 

"Because the water flows everywhere and the water will bring the germs from other places,” she said. 

“Tin cans and everything like that, such as rubbish will end up here and we have put on shoes and gloves to collect the rubbish.”

She said she has appealed for assistance to address their home issues as flood water remains in the system and they have to wait until it dries so the piping can be thoroughly cleaned.