Tropical Cyclone Evan in Samoa

Tropical Cyclone Evan struck Samoa on 13 December 2012, and made landfall as a Category 1 storm before intensifying to Category 3. The cyclone passed over Samoa for two days before moving on. At least four people have been reported killed and the entire nation of Samoa has been affected by the storm.

A state of emergency was declared on Thursday. Evan is reported to be one of the most destructive cyclones to strike Samoa on record and in the aftermath floods and landslides have caused further damage. Widespread damage to crops and infrastructure have resulted, and 4,500 people have taken shelter in refuges so far. It is expected that there will be food shortages following the loss of crops.

The worst affected areas were those on the coasts and near river banks. Power was lost to the country following the damage to the electricity network, but repairs are underway with emergency power going to hospitals and other emergency services.