American Samoa is asking the US Senate for more support with food assistance as it struggles with the ongoing impact of last year's Tropical Cyclone Gita.
Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga made the request this week, saying farmers in the territory were hit hardest, with 2,600 losing all of their crops for the season.
Damage from Cyclone Gita in American Samoa. Photo: Twiiter/ Aumua Amata
He said the demand for nutritional assistance in American Samoa skyrocketed this year, blowing out the government's cost estimates.
Last year, Congress approved $US5 million in nutritional assistance to the territory.
But Lolo says another $US13 million is needed to meet demand this year.