Samoa is being warned of a possible drought.
Taro in Samoa not growing well because of drought. Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The assistant chief executive officer of the Metservice, Mulipola Ausetalia Titimaea, says the northern and central parts of the two main islands have experienced 40 percent below average rainfall since June.
Mulipola says this is why water rationing has been imposed for some areas around Apia.
However he says the southern districts have been spared the effects of drought.
"Not all the villages and districts are affected. Through the northern and the central stations about 60 percent of our recorded nolar stations are recording this drought that we are going through."
Mulipola says he is hopeful that the start of the wet season in November could ease concerns but predictions of an extended El Nino system would not help.
A meteorological drought is the first of four levels of severity.
One such drought was declared last year.
