7 Oct 2009

American Samoa official says water's available but it must be boiled before use

4:14 pm on 7 October 2009

The American Samoa Homeland Security spokesperson Betty Ah Soon says there is water available but it needs to be boiled before drinking and before use in cooking.

She says an advisory to this effect remains in force.

Earlier, the Red Cross had reported it was running short of water to provide to victims of the tsunami disaster.

Ms Ah Soon says bottled water is being delivered to certain schools where pupils have been advised not to use water fountains, but she says all schools are now open.

She says while there is a problem with contamination, especially around Pago Pago Harbour, supply is available.

"As far as the water from the main lines, from the power and water plants through to the villages, all the main lines have been connected so water is flowing. There is no problem with water flowing through the villages and to individual homes, it is just the matter of the contamination that we are worred about."