Tropical Cyclone Evan is considered the worst cyclone to affect Samoa since Cyclone Val in 1991.  From 13 December 2012, TC Evan caused widespread damage across the country, in particular the Island of Upolu while Savaii remained unscathed.  Torrential rainfall in the early hours caused flash flooding in the Vaisigano River which contributed to the devastation caused.  TC Evan destroyed power plants and reservoirs cutting power and water supply. It also disrupted communication and uprooted trees, many of which contributed to the log dams and added to the already swollen rivers, destroyed buildings and roads, extensively damaged crops.  Four people have been officially confirmed to have died due to the impacts of TC Evan, in addition 10 people are still missing to date.  The total number of persons displaced was approximately four thousand and eight hundred (4,800).  As a result of the devastation caused by TC Evan, the total cost of effects is estimated at SAT$465 million (equivalent to US$203.9 million).

Samoa’s response to Cyclone Evan improved tremendously compared to the tsunami of 2009.  The lessons learned from the earlier tsunami, as well as new programs implemented after the tsunami, strengthened the response capacity and coordination of agencies in response to TC Evan.  Building relationships, raising awareness and contingency planning, reducing disaster risks through environmental and social safeguards and other preventative measures have helped shape a more efficient and cost effective response to TC Evan.