There's been a substantial increase in the number of homes in American Samoa reported to have been destroyed or damaged by Cyclone Gita last month.
Damage from Cyclone Gita in American Samoa. Photo: Twiiter/ Aumua Amata
A Public Works report presented at the Emergency Operations Center this week showed the number of homes which were listed as destroyed had risen to 387, up from just over 200 a few weeks ago.
Just over 1200 homes suffered major damage and about 1600 had minor damage.
Inspectors from the USFederal Emergency Management Agency will conduct damage assessments in American Samoa shortly.
Cyclone Gita has had a noticeable impact on the habitats of birds and bats, according to American Samoa's Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources.
The American Samoa Governor Lolo Moliga is not wavering on the 2018 Flag Day commemorations despite concerns that the focus should be on dealing with the impact of Cyclone Gita.
The American Samoa Governor wants the Fono to hold oversight hearings into the performance of the Weather Service Office during Cyclone Gita.
Two senators in American Samoa have recommended the government scale back next month's Flag Day celebrations because of many families are still in need of financial help after Cyclone Gita.
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