FEMA Responds to Tropical Cyclone Olaf in American SamoaSource: FEMA National Situation Report – February 21, 2005 Conditions in American Samoa resulting from the passage of Tropical Cyclone Olaf as reported on February 20, 2005 in FEMA-1582-AS Report #4: Overall: The focus of the response effort is to flow resources from Pago Pago to Ta’u in the Manu’a Islands. Initial Response Resources (IRR) arrived by 747 on February 20, 2005 and is being offloaded. The IRR will be loaded on the US Coast Guard Icebreaker Polar Star on February 21, 2005 and transported to Ta’u and Ofu, where it will be offloaded by Coast Guard boats and helicopters and distributed by the American Samoan Government (ASG) Procurement Division. American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) has chartered the "Fotu Samoa", a shallow draft ferry boat, which will be used to carry poles and equipment, as well as the large generators, from Pago Pago to Ta’u. A distribution plan for supplies is being developed with first priority to Ta’u, and second priority to Ofu. Power: A power assessment is being conducted in Manu’a by the 249th Prime Power and generator requirements are being coordinated with the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA). Region IX, DOD, and USCG are arranging for the delivery of four 320kW generators via air on February 21, 2005. Two USCG C-130 aircraft are expected to depart Hickham AFB, Hawaii between 7:00 and 9:00am Hawaii Standard Time (12:00 and 1:00pm EST). The aircraft are expected to arrive Pago Pago within 12 hours following a refueling stop in Christmas Island. Damage assessments: ESF-8 is completing a health assessment. A joint preliminary damage assessment (PDA) for Individual Assistance (IA) is being coordinated to begin on Tuesday, February 22, 2005. Organization and facilities: The Initial Operating Facility (IOF) was established in Pago Pago on Tutuila. A unified command concept was implemented, including the Federal Coordinating Official (FCO), Territorial Coordinating Officer (TCO), District Governor of Manu’a, ASG Procurement, ASG Public Works, ASPA, and AS Disaster Recovery Organization. A contract is being finalized to use an Army Reserve Center for the Joint Field Office in Pago Pago. There were no deaths, hospitalizations, or missing persons reported. Keith Parsky, Esq. |