Clearing underway at Lelata

PRESS RELEASE                                         8.00 pm, Saturday 15 December 2012

 

Chaired by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, the National Disaster Council met this morning (Saturday 15 December 2012) to hear initial reports from various government and non-government agencies on the extent of destruction caused by Cyclone Evan this week.

The Council agreed to extend the Declaration of Disaster for another 48 hours so a full assessment of damages can be compiled.

DISPLACED

According to the Disaster Management Office (DMO), over 3200 people have been displaced as their homes were destroyed mainly by heavy flooding. The displaced are being sheltered at the National University of Samoa, Samoa College, the Ministry of Health headquarters at Moto’otua, the Education compound at Malifa and the Sports facilities at Tuanaimato. They are being cared for in a cooperation between the Health Ministry, the Education Ministry and the Samoa Red Cross Association.

The Committee agreed that the thousands displaced will be given priority. Many of those displaced are from Lelata, Ma’agao, Leone, Faatoia and Matautu area. Their homes were affected by the heavy flooding of the Vaisigano River. Some families at Moamoa and Sinamoga were also affected by the floods and have sought shelter from the relevant authorities.

The Chairman, in a public address this afternoon, requested churches and nearby villages for assistance as the numbers were too high for the shelters and support services available to cope with.

The Prime Minister and Cabinet visited most of these shelters this afternoon, following the meeting.

 

DEATHS AND MISSING

The Commissioner of Police, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo reported that four (4) people are confirmed dead due to the cyclone, with eight (8) people missing – including five (5) fishermen reportedly missing at sea. One fisherman, cast adrift, managed to swim to the coast at Salelologa and was saved.

All officers have been called in for round-the-clock duty.

ELECTRICITY

Electricity is expected to be restored along Beach Road by Monday evening, reported EPC Chief Executive Officer Tologata Tile.

He added that much of the Tanugamanono Station has been damaged by water flow. Some needed machinery parts are expected to arrive early next week.

Linesmen are already at work restoring fallen power lines in the rural areas. Power though is still available in most parts of Savai’i.

 

WATER

Much of the water supply has been damaged by heavy flooding, the Samoa Water Authority reported.

Main water pipelines were severely damaged by flooding at Lelata, up at Malololelei and Fuluasou, servicing the wider western-Apia area. The Authority reported that water flow along the Vaisigano River is still strong and is hampering repair and restoration work.

The main water tank at To’omatagi, servicing the shelters at NUS and Samoa College, is being prioritized for restoration and supply. A water trucking system to deliver water to homes has been effected.

 

ROADS

The Land Transport Authority reported that all of the main roads around Upolu and Savaii have been cleared of fallen trees, bar a small stretch at Tiavi and the Maliolio River in Savaii which also flooded.

LTA chief executive Leasi Ioane Galuvao pointed out that the major task at the moment is clearing roads into homes and properties of those affected by the heavy flooding in the Vaimauga District.

 

GRANTS

Several countries and international development agencies, through their local representatives, informed government that initial grants, supply and humanitarian assistance have been approved towards immediate relief efforts for Samoa.

The New Zealand government has approved NZ$50,000 as well as offering aerial survey support, the United States US$50,000 through the Red Cross Society and a grant of US$50,000 from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) as well as technical assistance in damage assessments. Representatives of the Australian and Chinese Embassies and a representative of the Japanese Government informed the Council that their governments are in the final stages of approving assistance for immediate relief work.

The Council will meet again on Monday to discuss assessments from agencies and determine the full extent of the destruction.

PRESS SECRETARIAT

 

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