Several thousand still in emergency shelters in American Samoa

Last Updated: Tue, 6 Oct 2009 10:23:00 +1100

Almost four thousand people in American Samoa are still living in emergency shelters after last week's tsunami.

Power and water has been restored to much of the territory, and the relief and rebuilding effort is underway in areas worst affected by the disaster.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is liaising with a number of aid agencies to distribute food and water, and to provide counselling services.

Spokeswoman for America Samoa's Department of Homeland, Betty Ahsoon has told Pacific Beat there are a number of other families besides those in the shelters, who have been left without basic necessities.

"The disaster relief effort is concentrating on those shelters, even though families that are still in their own area and need the help. We go out separately with Red Cross and distribute food and water and things that are necessary for everyday life," said Ms. Ahsoon.

Homeless concern

The Governor's Press Secretary in American Samoa, Vincent Iuli says many of the people left homeless because of the tsunami last week are staying with their family chiefs.

He says they also may need help from aid agencies to support their family members.

"There is also concern about the burden and hardship placed on the family chief of taking care of 50 to 80 members of the family," he said.

"That is the cultural approach to recovery, government agencies, churches and the redcross are doing a great job or at least trying as hard as they could to get three meals a day to community shelters and also to the Chiefs to help care for their families."

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