A one-year-old boy has been confirmed dead after he was swept away by an overflowing river at Tiavea last Friday.

Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said the toddler was with his father in the vehicle.

He said the father saw an overflowing river at Tiavea last Friday afternoon and decided to stop and wash the car.

“While he jumped outside to do so, the baby was still in the car,” he said.

Auapaau said that according to the latest reports from police investigations, the baby boy opened the car door and got outside without the father knowing.

He was swept away by the strong current and died.

Auapaau said police investigations continue, and there could be a possibility the father will be charged with negligence.

Auapaau sent condolences to the grieving family and again advised families to please look after the children, especially those of this age.

"It's so sad to see these kinds of incidents where our precious children's lives are taken because of carelessness," Auapaau said.

He reminded that the weather Samoa is currently witnessing should be taken seriously, especially in villages with rivers and close to the sea.

The Samoa Meteorology Services' latest weather update states that the rain will continue. While warnings have been downgraded to advisories, people have been told to take heed of the warnings.