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11 missing in Samoa after Evan feared dead

Hope is fading in the search for eleven people who have been missing since Cyclone Evan smashed into Samoa two weeks ago.

And should they be declared dead, it would take the death toll to 16, making Evan one of the worst cyclones in history in terms of casualties.

So far, five people have been confirmed dead. The Police confirmed their identities yesterday. They are:

    Fala Kalati, of Tufuiopa, 63
    Toma Leilua, of Magiagi and Sagone, 40
    Aukusitino Leialo, of Tafitoala,Safata, 40
    Eli Fereti, of Magiagi, 63
    Tanu Tanu of Magiagi, 44

But Assistant Police Commissioner, Le’aupepe Fatu Pula refused to speculate about the future of the search for the missing people.

During an interview with the Sunday Samoan, he insisted that the missing people would not be declared dead “for a very long time.” He also declined to reveal their identities yet.

Contacted for a comment, Principal Officer of the National Disaster Management Office, Filomena Nelson said “the list [of the missing people] has not been released to us”.

“Please contact the Police,” she said.