8 Jan 2004

American Samoa government sends out storm damage assessors

11:39 am on 8 January 2004

An American Samoan government preliminary assessment team is due to be sent out to all areas of the territory to gather information on damage caused by Cyclone Heta.

The government is seeking approval to be declared a federal disaster area, which would pave the way for US government assistance.

Emergency services have worked through the night to respond to critical needs after strong winds blew down power lines and roofs, uprooted trees, and forced the evacuation of homes on the shoreline.