Samoa News

Apia - Samoa has banned the blockbuster Elton John biopic "Rocketman" from cinemas over depictions of gay sex, which remains illegal in the Pacific island nation.

Wellington - International health experts launched an investigation Thursday into why two Samoan infants died shortly after receiving childhood vaccination injections in a tragedy that has rocked the close-knit Pacific nation.

Wellington - The island nation of Samoa has declared its waters a shark sanctuary, joining a string of other Pacific countries in protecting the marine predators.Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele said the move would help sustain a vital part of the ocean's ecosystem....

Nukalofa - International aid began trickling in on Wednesday to areas of Tonga devastated by Cyclone Gita, as Fiji escaped the worst of the storm's fury.

Nukalofa - A battered Nuku'alofa began cleaning up Tuesday after the most powerful cyclone ever recorded in the Tongan capital tore roofs off buildings, downed powerlines and caused extensive flooding, prompting a state of emergency in the tiny Pacific nation.

Nukalofa - Tonga declared a state of emergency Monday as the Pacific island kingdom braces for a direct hit by a powerful cyclone that is threatening to become a Category Five superstorm.

Apia - Claims that a young woman developed Christ-like wounds after playing Jesus in a play have sharply divided opinion in Samoa, igniting debate over whether the bleeding cuts to her body are miraculous or a hoax.

Apia - A major United Nations conference on small island nations began in Samoa on Monday, with the emphasis on helping them survive the pressing challenge posed by climate change.

Apia - The national carrier of a South Pacific island has started to charge passengers based on their actual body weight. Samoa Air, which was launched last year, has become the first airline in the world to charge passengers by their body weight.

Apia - The first reported storm of the South Pacific cyclone season triggers flooding and structural damage, with two people dead.

Apia - The first reported storm of the South Pacific cyclone season triggers flooding and structural damage, with two people dead.

The tiny Pacific island nation of Samoa will skip an entire day on Friday as the international dateline is adjusted. The adjustment is being made so that the nation will be up to date with other international economic powers.

Almost simultaneously, disasters and calamities occurred in South Asia, including Samoa, during the last two weeks. The typhoons have killed more than 3,000 people and injured thousands in calamity affected areas.

The Samoa islands have been stuck by a 7.9 magnitude earthquake. Tsunami watch has been alerted for New Zealand, American Samoa , and the Hawaiian islands.

Today, citizens of the Independent State of Samoa has marked the island nation's switch from right to left-side-driving on the road, with the blaring of car horns and the ringing of church bells, while onlookers clapped and cheered by the roadside.