ReliefWeb

From 1 to 4 February, Cyclone 'Ofa' hit western Samoa and entire regions are affected. Electricity and telecommunication cut off, water supply interrupted in most areas and some portions of roads completely washed away. Two air strips in Savaii are damaged and transportation between Upolu, Savaii and Pago Pago islands has not resumed at this moment. Although damage assessment not completed yet, government declared state of emergency and requested international relief assistance. UNDP/UNDRO Resident Representative reported preliminary damage assessment as 3 persons missing, 25,000 people homeless, whole population of 170,000 affected, 3,000 houses damaged. Breadfruit, banana, and taro completely destroyed and 10 per cent of coconut damaged. (UN DHA, 6 Feb 1990)

From aerial view, about 50 per cent of houses on Savaii and 10 per cent of houses along coast of Upolu island destroyed. Death toll remains 5, number of injured not yet available. Electricity still cut off. Very few lines of telecommunications currently available. Only 10 to 12 per cent of water drinkable and it will take more than one week to resume its service in Upolu. Water condition in Savaii not known. Local red cross providing 300 water containers (1-5 gallons). Faleolo International Airport is open but two air strips in Savaii continue to be closed. Roads between airport and capital city of Apia passable but with difficulties. Seaport in Apia is closed. Only limited transportation between Upolu and Savaii. (UN DHA, 7 Feb 1990)

Police officers on foot reached most of villages. So far reported 8 persons dead, 3 missing. Sixty per cent of schools damaged. Search operations on going. Electricity, water supply and telephone lines restored in some parts of Apia, in Samoa.

Tokelau (population of 1,700) suffered extensive damage. All three atolls of Nukunonu, Atafu and Fakaofu severely affected. Particularly whole island of Nukunonu and Atafu flooded by sea- water. Sea wall of Fakaofu completely washed away. Number of casualties not yet available. Hospitals, schools, other public buildings and houses are extensively damaged. Two bridges destroyed, dinghies and fishing gears lost.

Cyclone 'Ofa' hit Niue after passing western Samoa with winds up to 107 knots and caused widespread damage to trees and crops. Extensive damage to hospital and hotel. Both had to be evacuated. Most residents of south Alofi town evacuated. Access road to wharf and derrick crane washed away.

In Tonga, Tofahi and Niuatoputapu islands (population of 2,500) were worst affected while Niuafo'ou island suffered minor damage. 300 houses and 2 schools destroyed. Extensive damage to breadfruit, copra and other crops. Food supplies will run short in two weeks. Govt planning airlift operation of food. (UN DHA, 9 Feb 1990)

In western Samoa, death toll unchanged at 8 (4 on Savaii, 4 on Upolu). 3 missing persons found alive. Emergency relief supplies, including medicine, food and shelter materials, reached all seriously affected villages (in Upolu: Fagaloa and Tiavea-tai. In Savaii: Tafua Tai, Safotu, Avao, Faga, Saipipi, Puapua, Manase, Gautavai. And Apolima Tai.) […] Health department does not foresee any epidemics or major health problems resulting from disaster.

In Tuvalu, Vaitupu island suffered most extensive damage. More than half of 130 families on Vaitupu are homeless. Food supply low.

In Niue, no death nor serious injury reported. However, considerable damage to public buildings. Electricity restored to most homes and govt premises except hospital (which likely needs to be completely rebuilt). (UN DHA, 13 Feb 1990)