Samoa needs building materials

SAMOA – Families in Samoa who have had their houses severely affected by the flash floods says building materials is a huge demand post Cyclone Gita.

More than 200 people needed emergency shelter.

RNZ Pacific’s correspondent in Samoa, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, said most businesses have returned back to work to begin their assessment of the damages to their buildings as well as cleaning up debris to quickly resume business as usual.

Autagavaia said when a natural disaster occurs in Samoa, there is always a need for families overseas to fly over to help, but that might not be a good idea.

“I would urge families abroad to check in with their families here Samoa on what kind of assistance they desperately need.

“Money is helpful, but it is probably not the most important thing. Sending over building materials for houses is what families who’s homes are damaged need.

“When disasters like this happen, the materials in shops always run out because so many people are affected,” he said.

The National Disaster Committee will continue assessing damages this week.

People are being advised to boil their water as sanitation has been compromised from the flash flooding.

“Houses without power are encouraged to use gas stoves. Most families in Samoa have gas stoves,” Autagavaia said.

Samoa’s Electrical Power Corporation are checking all power lines to ensure it is safe before reinstating power supply.

It says 30 per cent of homes on both Savai‘i and Upolu have now had power restored.

The general manager Tologata Tile says the high voltage distribution lines have had to be restored and this work is mostly complete and full service, at least for Upolu, should be in place by Wednesday.

He said most of the damage is due to trees on private property falling on power lines.

- RNZI