The local Department of Homeland Security (ASDHS) yesterday conducted a follow-up for a family in Faleniu evacuated from their home Sunday night due to flooding in the area reportedly caused by construction nearby.

ASDHS’ Emergency Operation Center (EOC) received many calls about flooding due to heavy rains from Saturday to yesterday morning, especially in the low lying areas.

Samoa News also received calls from several sites on Tutuila in the usual flood areas when heavy rains occur, such as Fagaima, Kokoland, Malaeimi, Faleniu and Ottoville— for the “lake” in front of the Mormon Church.

ASDHS official Cinta Brown said one family in Faleniu had to be moved from their home Sunday night to another nearby location due to flooding.

ASDHS staff were out yesterday conducting a follow-up with the family of about 12 members— to see about the condition of their home and to determine how they could be helped further, said Brown.

Road construction in the area is being blamed for the cause of the flooding.

Department of Public Works director Taeaotui Punaofo Tilei said his office hasn’t received reports of any major problems such as landslides due to the heavy rains, adding that any flooding should be reported to the EOC, not them.

During heavy rains Sunday and early yesterday morning, a small stream advisory went into effect. ASDHS issued a notice saying that small streams could create dangerous flows over low water crossings and heavy rainfalls could cause flooding of low lying areas and road intersections.

Before 3:00 p.m. yesterday, the National Weather Service canceled both the small flood stream advisory and the high surf advisory. However, it said that widespread showers will continue and cautioned the public when driving in low lying areas. It noted to the public to report any flooded roadways to the EOC.

By late yesterday the rain had stopped, but it was still cloudy island wide with rain, but not as heavy as the deluge of Saturday, Sunday and yesterday morning.

Carol Paqui, a meteorologist with the weather service, said American Samoa is looking at the weather clearing by sometime tomorrow. She said a South Pacific Convergence Zone near the Samoan islands, which is generating scatter showers, will remain with American Samoa for 24-hours from yesterday afternoon.

Weather conditions for today through tomorrow, is mostly cloudy with scattered shows, with lows in the upper 70s, highs in the mid 80s and southeast winds 10 to 15mph, according to the weather service.

While the small stream advisory is canceled, ASDHS continues to call on the public to take necessary precautions to clear streams within the confines of their homes and surrounding areas to prevent damages to their properties.

“A good number of our residents are staying in tents as temporary homes following the [Sept] disaster, and it is with grave concern that we prevent further harm and/or inconveniences by ensuring that streams flow freely and clear of debris,” said ASDHS.

ASDHS said the public should continue to tune in on local radio stations for the latest report.

The EOC telephone number is 699-3800.