Samoa declares emergency as power crisis deepens
Residents of Samoa have been struggling with significant power outages for weeks. The government has decided to declare a state of emergency.
The residents of Samoa, an island nation in Oceania, have been dealing with severe power outages for several weeks. These issues have prompted Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa to announce a 30-day emergency. This situation significantly disrupts residents' daily lives and the functioning of the economy.
Samoa without power - what's the cause?
The power outages are particularly severe on the island of Upolu, the most populated part of Samoa. Residents are forced to rely on kerosene lamps, and frozen food spoils quickly. Shelley Burich, a resident of the capital, Apia, highlighted in an interview with CNN that people are compelled to use flashlights and candles, resulting in food losses.
The power outages in Samoa are not new, but the situation is exceptionally challenging. Authorities attribute the problems to power plant mechanical failures, faulty underground cables, and damage from a recent storm. On Saturday, large power generators are expected to arrive in the country temporarily.
Residents' reactions and the state of Samoa's economy
The residents of Samoa are attempting to adjust to the new reality. In light of ongoing power outages, people buy candles, flashlights, and lamps in large quantities, causing prices to rise. Candles now cost more than half the monthly salary for someone earning the national minimum wage.
President of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce, Fa'aso'otauloa Sam Saili, described the situation as an "energy catastrophe." The damage is so extensive that business operations may be stalled for an extended period. Nevertheless, residents are trying to plan their days without power by using public alerts about disruptions.
