Tropical Cyclone Wasi might have spared Samoa but local tailoring company, Eveni Carruthers, is better prepared to face further bad weather with all staff playing a role to beef up its defences. 

This is according to the company’s Supply Chain Manager, Lisa F. Vaai, in an interview with the Samoa Observer. 

She said the company was affected by flooding in previous years, especially along Convent Street in downtown Apia. 

But their management has decided to address the issue and the company is now better prepared.

“In previous years, we have had issues with flooding, however since renovating our store and raising the floor, we have not had much damage due to flooding, mainly from Convent Street side,” she said. 

“We started putting up the shutters two weeks ago and as a precaution we have kept them up temporarily and monitoring official weather forecasts and reports circulated.”

Samoa’s Meteorological Service on Sunday downgraded Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Wasi to a strong wind warning, after giving projections of the storm hitting land early Saturday morning.

And while the cyclone threat has been downgraded, Ms Vaai said their shop’s shutters were still up as the weather is currently unpredictable. 

“In anticipation of the cyclone season, every year we prepare our store and warehouse in case of any cyclone damage,” she said.

The putting up of the shutters was done by all the staff who were concerned about the impact of heavy rain and wind during the cyclone.

“All staff are involved in helping out with weather proofing our store, including putting up shutters under the direction of our building and security team manager Mautu Sio,” she added.