The Maliolio (or Mali'oli'o) River is one of the largest rivers in the Pacific island nation of Samoa. It is located in the northeast of the island of Savai'i, flowing through the Gaga'emauga district.
| Maliolio River | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | |
| Country | Samoa |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • location | Slopes of Mount Mata'aga |
| • coordinates | 13°36′10″S 172°25′20″W / 13.60278°S 172.42222°W |
| • elevation | 1,270 metres (4,170 ft)[1] |
| Mouth | |
• coordinates | 13°30′05″S 172°16′35″W / 13.50139°S 172.27639°W |
• elevation | 0.0 metres (0 ft) |
| Length | 26 kilometres (16 mi) |
The river initially flows northeastwards from the central volcanic highlands of the island, traversing dense forest for some 18 km. Shortly before it reaches Patamea it is joined by a stream which is its only major tributary, and the now enlarged river turns north. It continues northwards for about 5 km to Samalae'ulu. Here, it turns east for its final 3 kilometres before reaching the Pacific Ocean.[1]
The river is prone to flooding, often isolating villages such as Samalae'ulu and Patamea which lie close to the river and are only accessible via fords.[2] The river was crossed by the main north coast highway at one such ford at Samalae'ulu. Work on realigning the highway and building a bridge began in 2018,[3] and was completed in 2020.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b "Maliolio River," Mapcarta. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
- ^ Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi (23 February 2020). "Savai'i families cut off by rising rivers". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
- ^ Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu (28 October 2018). "Work on $7.5 million bridge begins". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
- ^ Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi (15 May 2020). "P.M. in Savai'i for Maliolio bridge dedication". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
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