Wild weather forces evacuations

AMERICAN SAMOA – Some families in American Samoa have had to evacuate their homes due to flooding amid severe weather in the territory.

Earlier public schools as well as several private schools were closed due to the severe weather.
The National Weather Service in Pago Pago said an active monsoon trough over the islands continues to produce heavy rain.
Overnight there was six inches of rain with landslides reported in Avau, Amanave and Poloa.
Local authorities said streams had overflown in several villages including those along the coastline of the main island of Tutuila.
Residents also reported flooding in low lying areas in Malaeloa village with water flowing into homes.
An Emergency Operations Centre has been partially activated and has taken in a number of families who had to leave their homes promptly after taking in water.
Public Works crews have been restoring access to roads obstructed by flooding, landslips and debris.
The Weather Service said the trough responsible for the rain is moving north but is expected to keep dousing the territory into tomorrow.
Samoa is bracing for high winds and heavy downpours over the weekend as three tropical depressions circle the Pacific region.
The public have been advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures, making sure they have the latest update on the weather. - RNZI