26 Jan 2004

Tahiti group assesses cyclone damage in Samoa

7:12 am on 26 January 2004

The vice-president of French Polynesia has visited areas in Samoa to assess storm damage.

The delegation from Tahiti assessed the likely costs of repairs as French Polynesia continues efforts to provide aid to its neighbours in the wake of Cyclone Heta.

Vice-president ,Eduoard Fritch, inspected damage on Upolu and met the Samoan prime minister, Tuila'epa Sailele, to discuss the financial impact of the storm, which is thought to be at least 20 million US dollars.

It's reported Tuila'epa Sailele will advise the government in Tahiti of the exact amount as soon as possible in order to determine exactly how much aid Samoa requires.

A group of Tahitian aid workers may travel to Samoa after they complete reconstruction work on Niue, which could take up to three months.