Samoans ignore health warnings about floods

Children playing in the Apia floodwaters. Photo / Cherelle Jackson

APIA - Flooding is continuing in the Samoan capital today, after heavy rainfall from the threat of Cyclone Wilma in the past week.

Parts of the main roads in and out of Apia were blocked due to heavy flooding, but despite health and safety warnings from government ministries, residents were yesterday using the flooded areas as playgrounds.

People took to the streets, which had been transformed into metre-deep flood zones, to enjoy the views.

Hundreds walked and played in the water as children freely swam and played games in the flooded streets.

Some of the major businesses in the capital are also closed due to the flooding.