The risk of volcanic ash mixed with rain falling in Samoa following last Saturday’s eruption in Tonga is minimal, says the Samoa Meteorological Division.

The Assistant C.E.O. of the M.E.T. Afaese Dr. Luteru Tauvale gave the assurance during a press conference at the National Emergency Operation Centre (N.E.O.C.) on Monday.

There have been reports circulating of Samoa experiencing rain mixed with volcanic ash, according to Afaese, but he says chances are low of Samoa getting affected.

He said strong winds have spread the plumes of ash beyond Tonga to other countries like Fiji.

“The volcanic ashes fell upon Tonga but because of strong winds they were spread to some parts of Fiji,” he said.

“There are no records that show there is a high chance of Samoa getting affected by rain due to volcanic ashes.”

Afaese was accompanied to the press conference by the N.E.O.C. Chairman, Agafili Shem Leo and the Fire and Emergency Service Authority (F.E.S.A) Commissioner, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga at the N.E.O.C. headquarters, Tuanaimato. 

The M.E.T. cancelled its tsunami advisory on Monday morning, however, Afaese says they will continue their round-the-clock monitoring.

“Despite all our tsunami advisories being cancelled, we will continue to monitor because volcanic activities are still ongoing,” he said.

“We cannot predict a time when the volcano will erupt again and might lead to another wave [or possible tsunami].”

Currently, the country is experiencing bad weather conditions, which Afaese says justifies the need for them to continue with their monitoring of Samoa’s marine area.

The M.E.T. on Monday issued a marine advisory that advised of fresh and gusty winds associated with the convergence zone within the vicinity of Samoa, leading to rough seas and windy conditions over the marine waters.

An update was also issued by the M.E.T. at 2.50am on Monday providing details on the volcanic ash situation in Samoa.

“And its [volcanic] activities slightly diminished in the past six hours,” reads the statement.

“However, the ash plume has become widespread over Tonga and eastern Fiji but could potentially reach the south of Samoa in the upper levels of the atmosphere.

“Based on the latest report from V.A.A.C. Wellington there is a chance that some ash may linger within our area from this time onwards. 

“Hence risk for Samoa is elevated from low to moderate.

“At this stage, the direct impacts for Samoa from the ash remain ambiguous but the ash would primarily exist at higher altitudes.”

In an update on Monday, the M.E.T. released an update advising that they are monitoring the ongoing volcanic activities in Tonga.

“It may continue to cause powerful waves and further strong surges in the coming days,” he said.

“Coastal areas that have previously been calm can suddenly experience unpredictable surges. 

“In addition, the combination of the effects of the present unstable weather and any resultant fluctuation in sea level have the potential to create hazardous waves that have not previously been experienced.”

The M.E.T. also advised the general public to be observant and exercise normal caution when in and around the sea.