A consignment of 13 pallets of bottled water, dry food, clothing and tents from American Samoa aboard the Lady Naomi ferry that arived last night. The consignment was coordinated by the Governor’s Office
PRESS RELEASE 7:00pm, 17 December 2012
Press Release No.3 on Cyclone Evan
The National Disaster Council including its development partners, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, China, Japan and the United Nations, represented by its in-country High Commissioners and representatives this morning conducted a field assessment and inspection of the capital Apia, the south coast of Upolu from Siumu to Safata and the east coast from Lefaga to Falelatai.
Asked to take a stab at the cost of recovery, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who is Chair of the Council, put it at “probably no less than $300 million”.
He said the most costly part of reconstruction includes the rebuilding of schools, roads and restoring power lines.
Proclamation of Emergency
His Highness the Head of State Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi issued a Proclamation of Emergency regarding the disaster today, 17 December 2012. It reads:
“I, TUI ATUA TUPUA TAMASESE EFI, Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa, after consultation with Cabinet, am satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security or economic life of Samoa is threatened by natural catastrophe caused by Cyclone Evan and therefore DECLARE that a state of emergency exists in Samoa for 30 days.”
Pago shipment
13 pallets of bottled water, dry foods, clothing and tents arrived late last night from American Samoa aboard the Lady Naomi ferry.
The consignment was coordinated by the Governor’s Officer and included donations from families and businesses. A container shipment also from American Samoa is due to arrive tomorrow aboard the Fotu-o-Samoa ferry.
Electricity
Electricity supply is now available in the Central Business District to Mulinuu, Tanugamanono to Letogo, and from town to Lotopa.
Roads
Land Transport Authority (LTA) have deployed contractors to clear main access roads. The coastal road network have been cleared except for Tiavi.
Search and rescue
Police in collaboration with P3 Orion is continuing with the search for the fishing boat. Police is also conducting its search in the flood affected Lelata area to look for the missing people reported within this area.
Water supply
Samoa Water Authority (SWA) is continuing its restoration efforts in restoring Alaoa plant. Fuluasou Reservoir is now able to supply water.
Airport
Airport is operating.
Shipping services
Shipping services between the two islands started on Sunday.
Ports
All ports are safe. The only issue is the debris from the flood. Mulifanua is closed due to power outage.
Samoa Ports Authority (SPA) was also engaged by Police to assist with the search for the fishing boat.
Communication
Digicel restored its mobile link at Luatuanuu to Aleipata, Siumu and Falealili. Bluesky update is pending.
Education
Ministry of Education conducted its assessment and reported that 7 schools facilities are completely destroyed, 9 have received major damage and 35 have sustained minor damages.
Samoa Red Cross
Samoa Red Cross is continuing to work with the NEOC to manage the shelters and also assisting with initial damage assessment.
Health
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has started its public health assessments and have engaged a public health environmental specialist to assist.
Following the NDC meeting on Saturday, the decision to relocate remaining victims to the care of Caritas managed shelter at Tuutuuileloloto Hall was made. These people were relocated on Sunday 16/12.
MOH is also conducting health checks on the displaced people.
The most immediate health needs include health checks, safe and secured shelter, safe portable water, clothing, bedding, waste disposal, personal hygiene, spacing and ventilation, family support, medications for diagnosed NCD people, safe environment, safe and sufficient food supply, vector control, general sanitation, injury prevention, psychosocial/mental health and spiritual needs.
Communities
Ministry of Women Community & Social Development is coordinating the initial damage assessment at this stage.
Diplomacy
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been liaising with New Zealand, United States, Australia, United Nations agencies, Japan, China and other international development partners regarding offer of assistance and pledges made during the NDC meeting held on Saturday 15/12.
International Assistance:
– The offer by the Government of New Zealand for search and rescue and aerial surveillance is now on island and it is providing assistance to the Police and the NEOC.
– The NEOC have received assistance from the Government and the people of American Samoa.
PRESS SECRETARIAT