As of Saturday the number of people still living in faith-based centers after their homes were destroyed or damaged by Gita had dropped to 560.
These individuals represent 80 families and are spread out in 10 shelters in Pago Pago, Tula, Nu’uuli, Fagaima, Faleniu, Leone, Malaeimi, and Ottoville. Some villages have more than one shelter.
Authorities were hoping to have all of the individuals moved out of the shelters over this past weekend however that’s turning out to be a challenge.
FEMA tents have been provided to families whose homes were destroyed or significantly damaged and tent rental companies were close to installing tents for the 201 homes which were destroyed.
The center with the biggest number of people still living there as of Saturday was the LDS Stake Center in Malaeimi which had 175 people, followed by the Stake Center in Ottoville with 115.
The Mesepa LDS Center is the latest center to close.
The Red Cross will continue to provide meals for the individuals still housed in shelters this week, according to Sean Mahoney Chief Executive Officer of the Red Cross San Diego/ Imperial Counties.
Mahoney says the Red Cross is using assessment reports by the government to identify families whose homes were destroyed or damaged. There have been a few cases where residents have informed Red Cross that their homes were damaged and they are not on their lists.
Mahoney says such cases are told to contact the EOC to come out and assess their homes.
The Red cross supplies include tarps, a burner, gas tank, bedding , cooler, batteries and clean up kits.
Mahoney is confident they have enough supplies mobilized to the territory to meet the needs of those who suffered damages.
At the Points of Distribution Red Cross reps are gathering information which will help identify follow up assistance from the organization for cyclone victims.
Mahoney is pleased with the Red Cross operation for Cyclone Gita so far and is appreciative of the volunteers from all over the territory who are helping with the distribution of Red Cross supplies and providing security at the Red Cross Center in Tafuna.
Distribution of Red Cross supplies continues today at two centers.
One is the Department of Youth and Women Affairs Center in Pago Pago which will serve Fatu ma Futi, Fagaalu, Gataivai, Utulei, Fagatogo, Happy Valley, Fagasa, Aua and Laulii.
The Second Point of Distribution for today is at the guest house of Fuata in Amouli which will serve Amaua, Auto, Fagaitua, Alofau, Masefau, Masausi, Sailele, Aoa, Amouli, Auasi, Alao, Tula, Onenoa, Aunuu.
Mahoney said people from other villages may also go to these centers.
An announcement from the EOC said families in shelters are encouraged to return home when able, especially after assistance has been received from the American Red Cross or ASG.
