Inspectors from the US Federal Emergency Management Agency will be arriving to conduct damage claim assessments on the ground in American Samoa following tropical cyclone Gita.
Lolo Matalasi Moliga at his State of the Territory address. Photo: RNZI / Monica Miller
More than 600 residents have registered for federal assistance and registrations continue this week.
FEMA has approved more than US$59,000 for homeowners and renters, more than $47,000 of which is for housing assistance.
Meanwhile American Samoa's governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga has informed Fono leaders that cabinet members won't be available to testify in committee hearings as their attention is focused on recovery efforts from last month's cyclone.
In a letter last Friday to Fono leaders, the governor has requested some leniency with compliance requirements that cabinet members appear during hearings.
With the territory under an extended 30-day state of emergency, Lolo said directors are required to collaborate with FEMA in the recovery process.
The governor has instructed directors to make disaster recover their top priority as the live of people are involved and quick solutions are expected.