When Tropical Cyclone Evan struck Samoa in December 2012, it brought more than just strong winds and heavy rain. It changed lives forever—especially in the villages of Lelata and Magiagi, where the Vaisigano River burst its banks and flooded entire communities.

More than 10 years later, people are still trying to recover from that moment. In Lelata, resident Asuelu Saifoloi remembers how the water rose without warning.

“When we looked outside, the whole place was covered with brown water. We didn’t know where it was all coming from.”

Asuelu believes a blocked drainage pipe may have worsened the flooding, but says no official explanation was ever given. What’s clear, however, is the impact. Productive land once used for cocoa and subsistence farming is now buried under river sand, making it unusable.

“We rely so much on the land,” he said. “But we don’t plant now. The land’s not secure.”

Flooding, he adds, has become routine—twice a month, even in the dry season. Children miss school for safety. Families spend nights in their cars. And early warning systems rarely come in time.

“Our time is lost. Education is lost. The sources for food for us are being damaged.”

Asuelu says the community is still waiting for the government to fulfill its promise to rebuild flood defenses. The longer they wait, the more they feel forgotten.

Losing Land, Losing Identity

In Magiagi, Elina Va’a shares a similar experience. Her home, crops, and land were destroyed during Cyclone Evan. Her family spent Christmas and New Year sheltering in a church, trying to figure out how to rebuild.

“We felt like we were losing our own land and where we belong,” she said.

Since then, they’ve built a stronger home, but the fear never left. Whenever there’s heavy rain, the family watches the river and prepares to evacuate.

Even with a solid home now, the surrounding land remains vulnerable. The river still cuts off parts of the village and daily life remains uncertain.

A Climate Story Beyond the Headlines

The stories of Lelata and Magiagi show that climate disasters don’t end when the storm passes. They leave lasting damage—not just to homes, but to security, culture, education, and food systems.

As Samoa and other Pacific nations call for global support and climate finance for loss and damage, voices like Asuelu’s and Elina’s are powerful reminders: recovery is about more than rebuilding homes. It’s about protecting futures, restoring livelihoods, and making sure families can feel safe again—on land they’ve called home for generations.