Damage from Cyclone Gita in American Samoa. Photo: Twiiter/ Aumua Amata
United States president Donald Trump has declared a state of disaster for American Samoa, nearly three weeks after Cyclone Gita tore through the territory.
The approval will activate federal resources and assistance programmmes for American Samoa, including relief packages and financial aid.
The governor, Lolo Matalasi Moliga, said the details of the declaration would be made public "soon".
As many as 500 people are still living in emergency shelters in American Samoa, three weeks after Gita swept across the islands causing extensive damage.
Frustration has been mounting among residents regarding the emergency response.
