Samoa and Australia reinforced their joint disaster response capabilities and regional resilience during Exercise Longreach in Apia, Samoa.
The three-day exercise gathered key representatives from Samoan and Australian disaster management bodies and regional security partners. Structured around a major tsunami emergency, the exercise allowed participating agencies to test their collective ability to launch a swift, Pacific-led emergency response.
Through interactive tabletop scenarios and simulations, agencies evaluated operational coordination, multi-agency information exchange and emergency resource distribution.
The exercise also tested requesting support from the Pacific Response Group and other international partners, proving how joint regional assets can rapidly deploy to assist Pacific nations during a disaster event.
The scenario carried local significance, recalling the tragic lessons of the 2009 earthquake and tsunami that devastated Samoan coastal communities, underlining the need for robust warning systems and rapid emergency protocols.
Acting CEO of Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Moafanua Tolusina Pouli said the exercise highlighted the importance of preparedness and partnership.
“Exercise Longreach saw Samoan agencies and international partners test our plans, strengthen coordination and improve our collective ability to support affected communities during a crisis. It reinforced the strong partnerships and shared commitment that underpin Samoa’s disaster preparedness,” Moafanua said.
“The tsunami scenario helped us better understand how Samoa and Australia’s national agencies and partners would work together to protect lives and support recovery efforts.
“The successful completion of Exercise Longreach 26 reflects the value of strong communication, coordination and partnerships in strengthening national preparedness and building a safer and more resilient Samoa.”
‘Exercise Longreach 26 has been a fantastic opportunity to continue building strong relationships as we work together to develop our collective ability to respond to future disasters.’
Exercise Longreach Contingent Commander Major Paul Randall, of Headquarters 1st (Australian) Division, noted the significance of ongoing regional cooperation.
“Exercise Longreach 26 has been a fantastic opportunity to continue building strong relationships as we work together to develop our collective ability to respond to future disasters,” Major Randall said.
Australian High Commissioner to Samoa Will Robinson said Longreach reinforced the importance of preparedness and interoperability before disaster strikes.
“Australia has long worked alongside Pacific partners during times of crisis, including following the 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami, and the 2024 Vanuatu earthquake,” Mr Robinson said.
“We know how important it is to build the relationships, coordination mechanisms and shared understanding that enable Pacific-led responses when communities need support most.
“Exercise Longreach 26 provided Samoa and Australia with a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of each other’s systems, capabilities and approaches to disaster response.”
Mr Robinson added that Australia remains committed to working alongside Samoa and other Pacific partners to strengthen regional preparedness, resilience and disaster response capability through trusted partnerships and practical cooperation.
As natural hazards and climate risks increase across the region, joint initiatives like Exercise Longreach build the operational readiness needed to safeguard communities before emergencies strike.
