2 Fishermen remain missing – Police warn public about bad weather

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 4 February 2026: The public has been warned about taking risks at this time as Samoa faces bad weather and the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) is urging the public to be aware and cautious of the current weather situation.

NEOC called a press conference yesterday with key players in the Disaster Management Committee to inform the public of the current weather conditions and the need to stay safe.

The Acting Police Commissioner, Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga confirmed that the combined search and rescue team of Police and the Samoa Fire & Emergency Services of two missing fishermen have been called off.

One is from Salelavalu, Savaii and the other from Tiavea, Aleipata.

Leiataua said other than the loss of lives of the missing fishermen, the cost and risk to the police search and rescue operations was very high and people must seriously make the right decisions whether it is worth taking the risk during bad weather of wait to fish another day when it is safe.

Last weekend,  a 19 year old boy was found dead after swimming at the Sauniatu river that had burst its banks after heavy rains.

Commissioner of Search and Rescue, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga, Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Afamasaga Samuelu and the Chair of the National Emergency Operations Centre, Lealaisalanoa Frances Reupena.

Leiataua is calling on Village Councils to implement a ban on fishing and swimming at rivers during bad weather.

The Commissioner of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga said people taking unnecessary risks could be fatal and voiced his concern over recent incidents that have cost the lives of three people.

The Assistant Chief Executive Officer for the Meteorology Division, Dr. Luteru Agafili Tuvale said the public should take heed of the weather warnings for heavy rain, flooding and strong winds in order to be safe.

While he said weather mapping indicates no current cyclone threat to Samoa, there is a trough of low pressure located South of Samoa that continues to bring deteriorating weather over the group.

“This system is expected to generate scattered showers with periods of heavy falls, strong and gusty winds as well as thunderstorms for today. Due to these weather conditions, the risk of flooding in major rivers and vulnerable areas remains high,” said Dr. Tuvale.

He also said heavy rain could result in landslides and flooding.