Early warning and early action are among Samoa’s national strategic priorities, embedding multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk financing frameworks into the country’s governance landscape.

The frequent tropical cyclones, floods, tsunamis, and droughts, magnified by its climate vulnerabilities and exacerbated by climate change, have taught Samoa to prioritize the establishment of comprehensive early warning systems. These systems are designed to deliver timely and actionable information that supports community preparedness, response, and resilience-building. The country’s National Disaster Management Office and Meteorological Service has been leading these efforts toward a well-coordinated system among different government agencies, local authorities, and community leaders. 

This forward-looking initiative has positioned Samoa as a regional leader in disaster preparedness across the Pacific region. The country is distinguished for its highly structured disaster preparedness model, characterized by a coherent governance framework that clearly delineates responsibilities from the national level down to individual villages. This approach embraces an inclusive principle,: every constituency receives up-to-date disaster-related information and correspondence, ensuring communities are well-informed and equipped to prepare for and respond to disasters. 

Moreover, Samoa is among the first countries across the Pacific region to integrate concepts of early warning systems into the national policy landscape and domestic financing. With a solid legislative and financial framework in place, the country is assured that its disaster risk management initiatives will be sustained and effectively implemented. This institutional integration strengthens preparedness for anticipatory action and rapid response, when necessary. 

Women’s leadership is also a significant component of its multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk financing frameworks. The meaningful involvement of women guarantees that gender perspectives and considerations inform all stages of the process.

To further solidify its commitment to enhancing early warning capabilities, disaster risk financing mechanisms, and anticipatory action frameworks, Samoa joined the Early Warnings for All (EW4All)—a dedicated global initiative aimed at addressing gaps in disaster risk reduction and advancing early warning systems. As part of this initiative, Samoa is finalizing its national EW4All roadmap, structured around the four priority pillars: (1) disaster risk knowledge, (2) detection, monitoring, and forecasting, (3) warning dissemination and communication, and (4) preparedness and response. 

These pillars will seek to expand risk mapping at the local level, adopt village-based warning dissemination systems, strengthen impact-based forecasting systems, incorporate public health emergencies and technological disasters into the typology, leverage both scientific and indigenous knowledge, and enhance pre-positioned early warning resources and proactive disaster financing.

By ensuring that early warnings trigger timely and proactive responses, it prioritizes the protection of the most vulnerable. It strengthens the inclusiveness and effectiveness of national disaster preparedness and response efforts.