Two homes destroyed, 6 suffered major damage

When they finally blew south Tropical Storm Vickie and Tropical Storm Wasi left in their wake two destroyed homes, 6 homes with major damage, and 58 with minor damage.

Thirty-two other homes were affected by either water damage or wind damage of some sort.

In addition 25 families all on the western end of the island and one in Fagatogo are still without power.

The designation of destroyed, significant and minor damage used the FEMA guidelines.

That is according to the 4pm briefing from the Emergency Operations Center yesterday.

All of those who had sought shelter at the emergency shelters have moved out.

The two families whose homes were destroyed are living with relatives or neighbors.

The Olosega Elementary School (not Ofu as reported earlier) is also without power as the meter which services he whole school was damaged and ASPA is hoping to send a team there today for an assessment and restoration.

Governor Lolo Moliga who attended the 4pm briefing yesterday has given instructions to Homeland Security Director Samana Semo Veavea to recommend how the government can help the families whose homes were destroyed.

He said there’s been several assessments but by now there should be some help rendered to the affected families.

Samana responded that the Director of Commerce has indicated they may have a program that could offer assistance for the displaced families, and the Development Bank has also said they may be able to help affected families.

The governor said its been over a week now and displaced families have not received any assistance. He also told the response agencies  that they shouldn’t wait for FEMA .

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The governor said he has seen the video of damages in Manu’a and it’s not a good picture.  He asked if there’s been any assessment of Manu’a and Samana responded that after the meeting he would discuss with the governor if funding is available for an airline charter to Manu’a.

Again the governor told Samana they should not wait, that’s why he’s the Director of Homeland Security, to inform him and the lt governor of what is needed and respond accordingly.

The governor also told ASPA representative Ryan Tuatoo to relocate the meter for Olosega Elementary because the same problem keeps happening.

Lolo also instructed that if families still without electricity cannot afford to buy materials and supplies for repairs before their power can be turned on, for ASPA to provide whats needed so that these families can get power.

All schools are back in session today, that’s public and private.  The American Samoa Community College is also opened.