Trump declares state of emergency for American Samoa

President Jesse Trump listens during a meeting with police on the MS-13 street gang plus border security, in the Cabinet Area of the White House, Tuesday, February. 6, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)   (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All legal rights reserved. )

President Trump signed an urgent situation declaration for American Samoa Weekend evening after the South Pacific island destinations were hit by Tropical Storm Gita last week.

Trump’s declaration allows the particular Department of Homeland Security plus FEMA to coordinate disaster alleviation efforts.

Tropical Storm Gita caused some harm to buildings and widespread power black outs early Saturday, a day after producing its nearest pass to the island destinations. The port and airport within Pago Pago were closed Fri because of the storm.

Hanna Butler, a spokeswoman for Fiji-based Red Cross Pacific cycles, informed Reuters that around 300 people had evacuated Apia, the capital of Samoa, to escape water damage but were now returning to their own homes. Butler added that many individuals were without clean, running water.

American Samoa is situated about 2, 550 miles south west of Hawaii.

The Associated Push contributed to this report.