Families affected in this morning’s flash flooding that closed down most of Apia township have been told to move into evacuation centers that the government has set up, in anticipation of further possible flooding with the incoming high tide around 11 tonight.
In a press conference earlier this afternoon, Chair of the National Emergency Operations Center, Agafili Shem Leo, said affected families should heed the warning to prevent injuries and any loss of life.
He advised that the government has set up shelters for families in areas which were under water this morning to move to.
Areas around Apia that were badly affected include Savalalo, Fugalei, Taufusi, fish market, Faatoia, Lelata. Vaimoso, Vailoa, Lepea, Sinamoga, Moamoa and Pesega.
Flooding subsided as the morning high tide ebbed out and traffic started to flow slowly but there were still areas left inaccessible with flooding waters still high.
Agafili said reports from the weather office indicate heavy rains will remain throughout the country until Saturday.
“This is why we are asking affected families while there is still daylight as darkness would hamper any possible rescue efforts,” he said.
Faleolo Airport check in counter
Electricity has been restored to most areas that have been without power this morning.
Agafili said there have been no reports of major injuries.
Roads and bridges including newly built aid funded ones just disintegrated.
The ground floors of the $ST147 million Faleolo Airport was also under water.
Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance, Leasiosio Oscar Malielegaoi told reporters estimates of damage would be made after post disaster assessment.
