The recent heavy rainfall and windy weather conditions have not only flooded the roads and caused the overflowing of rivers and streams, it has also contributed to one of the biggest landslides in recent years.

The landslide occurred in the far west village of Malota late last week, cutting off access to residents in the area.

It took hours to clear off even one lane of the main highway because of the amount of debris involved, including large boulders and trees, not to mention thick mud.

Samoa News spoke to some workers from the Department of Public Works (DPW) who indicated that the landslide was one of the worst ones they’d seen in recent years. The good news is, there were no cars on the road when the landslide occurred.

In addition to Malota, employees from DPW also responded to a landslide between Failolo and Agugulu last week.

All over the territory, homes — especially those located near streams — have been flooded as rain continues to pour.

Some families in certain western district villages including Leone, Amanave, Kokoland, Fagaima, Mapusaga, and Mesepa have had to evacuate their homes due to flooding, with some having to move in with relatives until the rain subsides.

Assessment teams from the Department of Homeland Security/Territorial Emergency Management Coordinating Office (TEMCO) have visited some of the affected families, while the folks at the Emergency Operations Center continue to listen out for reports and calls for assistance.

The Tafuna Weather Station recorded more than nine inches of rain during a 12-hour period last week, with more expected to come.

The public is urged to stay tuned to the latest weather forecast and stay indoors.