The mental well-being of residents of Manu’a as they grapple with the continuous tremors that have been rocking the eastern group of islands is of concern to health authorities.
Director of Health Motusa Tuileama Nua says they have assigned a mental health specialist who will focus on behavioral health to Manu’a to cover both Ta’u, Ofu and Olosega islands.
One of the directors who traveled with Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga to Manu’a on Monday, Motusa said anxiety and fear of the unknown was evident among residents in the meetings they held there.
Our correspondent on Tau island reports that residents are “livid” with the outcome of Governor Lemanu’s visit to Manu’a.
It’s the lack of concern and preparedness for this level of emergency. Their complaint is having to wait for a roar or something unusual to head up to the mountain. And if there is an eruption how are the people going to escape the ash fall debris from an eruption?”
Some were also upset with statements from some of the visiting directors at a Ta’ū meeting to not rely on the government for help.
