Samoans battle with water issues post-cyclone

Transcript

Some families in Samoa are still facing water issues following Cyclone Amos.

The category two cyclone struck the country on Saturday night much weaker than feared, but heavy rains and strong winds still caused some flooding, landslides and other minor damage.

Our correspondent, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia has the latest on the clean-up efforts. He speaks here to Moera Tuilaepa Taylor.  

AUTAGAVAIA TIPI AUTAGAVAIA: I understand that power supply is on in most areas of the country that were affected as a result of cyclone Amos has been restored, and Digicel telecommunications was also restored in some villages, telephones were disconnected due to power cuts but most areas are now fully restored.   

MOERA TUILAEPA-TAYLOR: I know there were issues with water.  So has water services been fully restored in the country?

ATA: Well, following that report from the government damages in some areas, there's been no updates on whether those villages have had their water restored.  So I think maybe sometime this week they will issue another update on the water problem in parts of Savai'i.

MTT:  I just wonder if you have had any updates from Savai'i, I know the roads in Lano and Saipipi had major issues as some were washed away.  Do you know what's happening?

ATA:  Well, there are still temporary roads and construction work is still ongoing to fix the roads.

MTT:  I guess it seems that people were prepared for this cyclone.

ATA:  Oh yes, absolutely, the shops on Thursday and Friday were really busy as people were getting supplies, batteries, some people went to shops to buy small portable radios so they can still hear the weather forecasts and several [Amos] warnings.  Food supplies as well was sought by families.

Samoa's government says four families in Savaii and one in Upolu had to evacuate to higher ground when cyclone Amos struck.

In a statement, the government says there were no reported casualties.

An initial overview by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment confirms minimal damage and loss to crops such as banana and breadfruit.

The Ministry of Health has also advised the public to be mindful of water consumption, sanitation and hygiene.