15 Mar 2018

American Samoa leader wants review of weather office

5:39 pm on 15 March 2018

The American Samoa Governor wants the Fono to hold oversight hearings into the performance of the Weather Service Office during Cyclone Gita.

no caption

Lolo Moliga Photo: RNZI / Monica Miller

Lolo Moliga has told KHJ News the Fono can also seek answers from the federal government if it finds there were lapses by personnel and equipment at the local weather office.

He said its important for the Fono to do this in a timely manner so that any existing problems are addressed before another natural disaster strikes.

A recent Chamber of Commerce meeting has been told information on wind strength during Gita was not made known because the weather office equipment was down.

Lolo said while he has concerns with the Weather Service's performance during Gita, he wants to make sure the correct information is obtained before any dealings with the federal government.

He says through oversight hearings the Fono can obtain information to leverage the federal government for improvements.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs