Elder Fonoti Jessop and other leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are holding meetings this week in various parts of Samoa to assess people’s needs after the devastation caused by Cyclone Evan last week (13 and 14 December).
Elder Jessop reports that members of nine Samoan Latter-day Saint stakes (similar to dioceses) have been affected by the cyclone. He has counselled the stake presidents to “meet with those families that were hard hit to assist them with food, water and shelter.”
Essential supplies are being delivered by small teams of Latter-day Saints to families which are some distance away from shops.
Mormon chapels throughout the country have been used as evacuation centres over the last few days. “Many of those staying at the chapels are now able to return to their homes or to stay with relatives,” Elder Jessop said.
The Church’s Pacific Area Presidency approved a budget of $25,000 to purchase food, tarpaulins, ropes and other items to assist members of the Church and others in need.
Mormon bishops (local lay ministers) are also using fast offering funds to assist individuals and families who need help.
Latter-day Saint leaders are in talks with government officials so Mormon congregations and missionaries can be mobilised, when called upon, to assist with large-scale cleanup efforts.