Preliminary Damage Assessment Report: American Samoa – Tropical Storm Gita

On February 25, 2018, Governor Lolo M. Moliga requested a major disaster declaration due to Tropical Storm Gita during the period of February 7-12, 2018. The Governor requested a declaration for Individual Assistance; Public Assistance, including direct Federal assistance; and Hazard Mitigation for the territory of American Samoa. During the period of February 14-24, 2018, joint federal, territory, and local government Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) were conducted in the requested areas and are summarized below. PDAs estimate damages immediately after an event and are considered, along with several other factors, in determining whether a disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the territory and the affected local governments, and that Federal assistance is necessary.