Following the launch of the UNESCO- IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme in the community, non-profit humanitarian organisation Field Ready successfully completed a targeted 10-day deployment in Falealupo, Savaii (14–23 October 2026), restoring essential water, sanitation, and electrical systems at the village’s primary evacuation site.
The multi-hazard resilience mission focused directly on the Falealupo Women’s Committee Fale, a designated safe haven and assembly point for coastal families in the event of severe weather or tsunami alerts. Despite its critical role in community disaster planning, the facility had fallen into disrepair, lacking functional sanitation and access to stored water.
Working in close coordination with village leaders and the Women’s Committee, the Field Ready deployment team addressed immediate structural, plumbing, and safety deficits across the site:
Rainwater Harvesting & Water Security – Field Ready brought dormant, neglected rainwater storage tanks back into service. Crews replaced degraded downpipes and faulty plumbing, installed high-capacity PVC guttering along the shelter roofline, and cleared blocked inlet lines to ensure thousands of litres of safe water are immediately available during emergencies. A pump was installed to maintain consistent water pressure with proper piping system connecting the SWA supply to the tanks for refilling when rainfall is insufficient, and for the first-flush system to improve the quality of rainwater entering the tanks.
Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Overhaul – Washroom facilities underwent full restoration. Field Ready replaced broken toilet fixtures, installed secure toilet suites, replumbed water feeds and bidet sprayers, repaired cubicle privacy doors, and deep-cleaned sanitation blocks to provide safe, dignified facilities for women, children, and the elderly.
Electrical Upgrades & Shelter Safety – Open, hazardous wiring and damaged wall switches were enclosed and re-terminated into modern surface-mount switch plates. Deploying teams also repaired overhead fixtures and installed bright, low-draw energy efficient lighting across communal meeting areas and washrooms.
Building Maintenance & Ventilation: Technicians secured loose wall paneling, repaired ceiling sections, and restored high-level louvre vents to maximize airflow and ensure structural readiness. The refurbishment directly bolsters Samoa’s national roll-out of the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme led by the Disaster Management Office, which aims to ensure all at-risk coastal villages have clearly designated, fully equipped and functional evacuation shelters.
“Preparedness goes far beyond knowing the evacuation route—it requires that when families arrive at a safe zone, the shelter has light, working sanitation, and clean water ready to sustain them,” said DMO ACEO Fesolai Molly Nielsen.
“By working hand-in-hand with the Falealupo Women’s Committee and community leaders, we have ensured this vital shelter is structurally prepared, safe, and resilient before the next disaster strikes”, said Country Coordinator for Field Ready, Ofusina Toamua
The Women & Committee and community representatives celebrated the completion and handover of the works on 23 October, acknowledging the critical impact practical technical support provides for remote village disaster resilience.
About Field Ready: Field Ready is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to transforming humanitarian logistics and disaster response. By utilizing local manufacturing, engineering, and rapid repair techniques, Field Ready solves critical challenges in water, sanitation, health, and shelter right where the need is greatest.