Damage from Cyclone Gita in American Samoa. Photo: Twiiter/ Aumua Amata
More than two dozen American Red Cross disaster workers and volunteers from the US have arrived in American Samoa as the territory is in recovery mode following last Friday's Tropical Storm Gita.
Emily Cox of Red Cross said once on the ground, the team would be able to continue the disaster assessment process and then open cases for families whose homes were damaged or destroyed.
She said ahead of the storm, American Red Cross American Samoa had distributed more than 2,000 emergency supplies - tarps, flashlights and comfort kits - there are additional supplies on the way.
She points out that the Red Cross works very closely with the entire response community - government agencies, other non-profit groups, faith-based organizations, area businesses and others - to co-ordinate relief and recovery efforts.