Asia and Oceania

Samoa is located in a seismic zone call the “Ring of Fire” and is subject to earthquakes.

There is some risk to your safety in parts of Samoa and we advise caution due to the devastating tsunami on 29 September 2009 (local time) and potential earthquake aftershocks.   We advise against all but essential travel to the south coast of Upolu until further notice. Most of Samoa and particularly the sister island of Savaii, did not suffer damage.

An earthquake measuring 8.3 on the Richter scale struck Samoa on 30 September and aftershocks are possible. A tsunami was generated by the earthquake. There are reports of 129 deaths and numerous people injured in addition to localised damage mainly along the south coast of Upolu as a result of the earthquake and tsunami.

British Citizens currently in Samoa are advised to follow any advice and instructions issued by the local authorities. If aftershocks are felt we recommend monitoring local radio for advice, staying away from the sea and moving to higher ground. Emergency services in Samoa are responding to the disasters and emergency relief is being provided.

Faleolo International Airport in Samoa is currently operational. British Citizens intending to travel to or from Samoa are advised to contact their travel agent or airline direct to check on flight availability.

British Citizens in Samoa requiring assistance are advised to contact the Honorary Consul in Apia.

British Citizens currently in Samoa are encouraged to make direct contact with family and friends to allay any concerns about their wellbeing.

British Citizens with concerns for family members in Samoa are advised to try and make direct contact in the first instance.  Those with ongoing concerns should contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
 

The 'ring-of-fire' is a horse-shoe-shaped zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that surrounds the basin of the Pacific Ocean.  It is 40,000 kms long and is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, island arcs, and volcanic mountain ranges and/or plate movements.

 

It is understood that 90% of the world's earthquakes and 81% of the world's largest earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire which is a direct consequence of plate tectonics and the movement of collisions of crustal plates.

 

On 3 May 2006, an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale was recorded 95 miles off the coast of Tonga.  Tsunami alerts were earlier in place for Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa and Hawaii.  On 28 September 2006, another earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale was recorded 185 miles south west of Samoa.

 

Tropical Storms

 

The tropical storm season in Samoa runs from November to April.  Flooding can occur.  You should monitor local and international weather updates from World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).  You can also access http://www.met.gov.fj for updates.  Please also see Tropical cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a tropical storm.