14 Jan 2004

American Samoa declared federal disaster area after cyclone Heta

1:31 pm on 14 January 2004

American Samoa has been declared a disaster area by the US Government following last week's cyclone.

President Bush says a major disaster exists in the territory and has ordered federal aid to supplement local recovery efforts.

The move makes federal funding available on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protection measures.

Additional assistance may be offered when assessments are complete.

An estimated one-thousand people have been displaced by cyclone Heta.