There’s been no response from the US Department of Agriculture to a request from Governor Lolo Moliga to extend the same services that the federal agency provided to victims of natural disasters in the United States to victims of Hurricane Gita.
The governor wrote to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on March 16 explaining the effects of Tropical Storm Gita on crops in the territory.
He pointed out that families who are already struggling to make ends meet before the disaster are now coping with the added stress and attached financial burden to access relief and recovery resources “to literally rebuild their lives.”
Governor Lolo said American Samoa is exploring all possible avenues for assistance to help families cope in the aftermath of Gita.
He said that with 41% of our total population affected by Tropical Cyclone Gita, families find themselves having to prioritize other immediate needs over nutritious meals for their families.
Farming communities have also suffered damages to the crops they depend on for their livelihood.
The governor listed several USDA funded programs that would be applicable to American Samoa’s situation.
These include the Emergency Food Assistance Program, USDA Foods for Disaster Assistance and Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
The governor informed the Agriculture Secretary that we do not have food banks or distribution centers, and products designated as USDA foods may need to be transported to the territory.
Lolo also requested USDA for resources to assist landowners, farmers, ranchers and producers in recovering from damages sustained during Gita.
