The owners of Samoa’s iconic Sheraton Samoa Aggies Hotel in Apia have been forced to temporarily shut its doors after sustaining extensive damage from the flash floods a fortnight ago.
Samoa Observer reports the hotel’s Director of Operation, Frank Lu, said the management will continue to monitor the impact of the damage caused by the flooding.
Lu said the safety and security of their guests and staff was a top priority when they decided to temporarily close.
The decision was based on the current evaluation on the status of the hotel in the impacted areas conducted by our hotel management teams.
“We will continue to host some functions and events booked prior to the flooding along with some long staying guests, however, we will not be accepting any new reservations at this stage.”
Flooding has been a big problem for the hotel for many years, especially during the cyclone periods.
Guests and staff had to be evacuated from life threatening fast rising waters during Cyclone Evan in 2012.
And despite a purpose built seawall rising to more than 8 feet high, the flooding Vaisigano River burst through after meeting incoming tides flooding out the popular resort.
More damage was caused during the 2017 flash floods after the river burst its banks again from Cyclone Gita.
The cost of the damage is not yet known.
Photo: Samoa Observer
