Samoa recovering after Cyclone Evans

Samoa recovering after Cyclone Evans

As cleanup from Cyclone Evans is underway, ADRA workers and volunteers in Samoa are coordinating two Evacuation Centres in Apia.

Supplies, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT), the Samoan Government, ADRA New Zealand and ADRA Australia, are being provided to survivors of Cyclone Evan in evacuations centres throughout the country. ADRA Samoa, with help from ADRA New Zealand, has provided accommodation for over 400 people in the last week.

Mrs. Sua Julia Wallwork, country director for ADRA Samoa, says that relief operations are in full swing in Samoa.

“We are used to cyclones but this one was a real monster, there has been a huge impact on our communities in Samoa. It is going to take a while to resume normal life,” says Wallwork.

“We know it is a difficult time of year for the survivors so we are hoping to deliver of bit of Christmas cheer.”

Mele, a grandmother of 14, is one of 6,000 Samoans still in evacuation centres. She was hoping to spend the holiday season hosting festivities in her home at Tanumapua Village. Cyclone Evan dashed those dreams; her house is now lying in pieces under a large tree blown down during the height of the storm. Mele’s husband is not with her in the evacuation centre, he stayed to protect what was left of their family home.

“I want to return home now so I can repair my home and get my life back on track,” says Mele. “But I don’t know when it will be okay to return.”

ADRA Samoa and ADRA New Zealand are committed to assisting survivors of Cyclone Evan as the relief and recovery periods continue.

To help survivors in Samoa, donate at www.adra.org.nz or phone 0800 4 999 111.

© Scoop Media