Posted on: Saturday, February 19, 2005

American Samoa declared major disaster area

Associated Press

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — President Bush has declared American Samoa a major disaster area following Hurricane Olaf, which wiped out nearly all the homes in at least one village in the Manu'a Islands, a government official said yesterday.

Leiataua B.V. Alailima, regional adviser for the Territorial Office of Homeland Security, announced the president's decision. He said Gov. Togiola Tulafono had requested the declaration for all seven islands of American Samoa.

Details of the declaration, including how much of the island territory it covers, had not yet been received by the governor's office but it was expected to make low-interest loans and other assistance available to storm victims.

Two fishermen caught in the storm remained missing, but there were no reports of deaths on any of the islands.

While the main island of Tutuila suffered minor damage, the Manu'a Islands were hit harder.

Heavy damage in Manu'a occurred in some villages on the island of Ta'u, said Alailima, adding that local and federal authorities were conducting a preliminary damage assessment.

"Almost every house in Fitiuta is destroyed," said Howard Malpepei, a high-school teacher in Manu'a. He said electricity was being restored slowly.