Samoa Airways steps in to assist stranded travellers

By Soli Wilson 16 December 2020, 8:30PM

Samoa Airways has stepped in to assist travellers who have been affected by the suspension of the ferry service between Upolu and Savai’i due to bad weather.

The national airline is offering stranded passengers a $69 one-way airfare, according to an advertisement on Samoa Airways’ website.

According to a passenger who took the Samoa Airways 4pm flight from Maota Salelologa on Monday, there were about eight passengers on that service back to Upolu.

For Wednesday, four flights had been booked from both Upolu and Savaii at 8am, 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Savai’i flights are scheduled for 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

The Samoa Shipping Corporation Limited notified the public on Wednesday afternoon that sailing between the two main islands remains cancelled since Monday, due to bad weather conditions the country is currently experiencing. 

"Kindly please be informed as the severe weather condition continues and all sailing between Upolu and Savaii for today remain closed,” the corporation states in a post on its Facebook page. “Please keep in mind safety is priority. We thank you for your patience and understanding at this time."

The Samoa Meteorological Division on Wednesday advised that Tropical Cyclone Zazu, which is currently a Category 2 storm, continues to move away from Samoa but the country will continue to experience heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.

Members of the public have been urged to be cautious of heavy rain and strong gusty winds, high combined waves and swells as well as flooding in all major rivers and vulnerable locations. Potential impact of the T.C. system includes heavy downpours with poor visibility, gusty winds, foggy and slippery roads over mountain passes and ranges, pooling near roadsides and waterways.

Very rough seas and high surf, with possible coastal flooding to exposed locations is also to be expected with a high potential for river overflows and landslides.

By Soli Wilson 16 December 2020, 8:30PM

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