Samoa is waking up to no rain, no high winds and subsided flooding that caused widespread damage, with the Apia central business area covered with mud and water, some up to four feet high, as flooded rivers got pushed back by the morning high tide.
By 11am some roads had been opened up after debris was removed and safety inspections carried out.
Flooding in most areas had started to subside as the tide went out.
Emergency services and contractors worked late into the night to restore power, reconnect roads and bridges that were washed out. Weather permitting a major clean up and restoration is expected today.
A cargo flight from New Zealand was cancelled as the country’s new $147million International Airport was rendered inoperable by flooding, especially in the arrival and departures areas.
Chairman of the National Emergency Operations Center, Agafili Shem Leo told the media yesterday afternoon that passengers due to fly out on the return leg to Auckland had been advised to make new arrangements with Air New Zealand.
‘’We will meet with the airline on Monday to work out details for rescheduling the flight,’’ he said.
Domestic flights scheduled to fly stranded travelers at both Upolu and Savaii islands were also cancelled.
The Ministry of Finance has made an initial assessment of damage and according to the Chief Executive Officer, Leasiosio Oscar Malielegaoi, it is in the vicinity of millions of tālā.
“We are receiving reports from Apia on damages and we have not conducted the post-disaster assessment but it [damages] can cost up to millions to repair our assets; roads, bridges, and essential needs for the public at the [evacuation] sites,” he said.
NEOC set up some evacuation sites around Apia and said about 30 people had to be evacuated.
‘’Some were taken to the evacuation sites but changed their minds and wanted to be taken to other family or relatives,’’ said Agafili.
Photos: Samoa Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
