Forecasters anticipate potentially damaging rainfall levels across the Polynesian islands. The number and severity of Tropical Cyclones remains to be seen but heavy rainfall is all but certain in Samoa.

Bushfires, landslides and tsunami can not only require a quick escape, they often block escape routes, leaving communities trapped or isolated. 

But for at least one Pacific community that has been highly exposed to just such a danger, the investment in a new evacuation route has given fresh hope and relief.

The New Zealand MetService expects the south-west Pacific is to be hit by up to 12 named cyclones between November and April. They have assessed that at least three may be severe, reaching category 3 or higher.

While many parts of the world battle growing pandemic death tolls, Samoa has not lost a single life to the virus.

But the Polynesian nation’s Red Cross boss says simply being prepared for the worst is delivering many valuable lessons.

Do you believe God wants you to be ready for disaster?

The Christian Churches in Vanuatu firmly believe so.

They are preaching disaster preparation is God’s will and have united to help congregations know what to do when they strike.

October 13 is International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and across the Pacific, a range of initiatives are being organised, many focusing on the importance of preparing for the upcoming cyclone season. 

Fiji Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing, Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu has fronted the media to provide an update following a National Disaster Management Council meeting and ahead of the 2021-22 South Pacific Cyclone Season.

Samoa is one of several Pacific countries to have experienced the devastation of disaster in recent memory. 

But the heartbreaking lessons learned during those times mean the Polynesian nation may be better prepared for the next big threat. 

New research maps how big tsunami in the Pacific could get and what areas are most in danger.

It is hoped authorities will use the research to effectively target disaster prevention spending.

With tourism devastated by COVID, fishing has never been more important to Pacific economies, but it could also become a virus super-spreader and officials says – they are taking action to stay safe.