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American Samoa Government - PR002-07232025
Posted: July 23, 2025
American Samoa Strengthens Hurricane Preparedness Through
Hurricane Lala Tabletop Exercise
TAFUNA, American Samoa — On Thursday, July 17, 2025, the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security (ASDHS), under the leadership of Director Vaetagaloa Glen Lefiti, hosted the Hurricane Lala Tabletop Exercise, a significant step forward in the Territory’s ongoing efforts to prepare for natural disasters and ensure public safety.
The exercise convened senior officials and department heads from across the American Samoa Government (ASG), including the Honorable Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula, who joined other directors and emergency management officials to observe the exercise and support this critical initiative.
Conducted in alignment with the FEMA Region 9 American Samoa Joint Catastrophic Plan, the exercise focused on establishing and maintaining a unified and coordinated operational structure for hurricane preparedness, response, and recovery. Participants explored restoration strategies for degraded voice and data communications networks, a critical component of maintaining connectivity and emergency response capacity after a storm. The exercise also provided an opportunity to review existing plans, policies, and available resources for the timely development and dissemination of public information and warnings. Most importantly, it fostered cross-agency collaboration, strengthening communication, decision-making, and coordinated action across departments.
“This tabletop exercise is a critical step in ensuring that we’re not just prepared, but that we’re aligned, informed, and ready to act together,” said Director Lefiti. “Every agency has a role, and today’s discussion showed our shared commitment to keeping American Samoa safe.”
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Throughout the exercise, participants engaged in meaningful dialogue and scenario planning that addressed both immediate response and long-term recovery. The exercise highlighted the importance of coordination, clarity of roles, and resilient communication systems before, during, and after a hurricane event.
Governor Pulaali’i expressed his appreciation for the efforts underway and emphasized the importance of continued investment in preparedness and public safety across the Territory.
The Hurricane Lala Tabletop Exercise represents a significant investment in preparedness and a united effort to ensure American Samoa is ready for the challenges of the 2025 hurricane season and beyond.
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