(Editor’s Note: The eye of Cyclone Wilma, a category3 storm, passed over Tutuila on Monday, Jan. 25, 2011, causing damage to power lines, telecommunication outages, minor landslides and damage to homes and roofs. The following report is as of 7:00 a.m.)

by Randy and Sharon English

Tutuila Island, American Samoa, (BNc) — We hope that all is well for you today, as we provide you with this update on conditions here in American Samoa. 

Early this morning we continued having heavy rains and winds. However, we can say that it is not nearly as bad as what the last 48 hours have been.  When Cyclone Wilma left our immediate area, it moved southwest and caused heavy damage to some of the islands in Tonga. 

While the weather here seems to be calm for the moment, we are still receiving wind advisories, etc., and satellite photos are indicating continued bad weather in the near area of Tutuila Island.  We are attaching a satellite photo (from NOAA) taken at approx 6:00 a.m. this morning, in which you can see a large red area lying north/northwest of the Samoan Islands, which are located in the white circle.

The American Samoan government is trying to assess damages and begin some clean-up efforts.  The local utility is working to restore power to areas without.  Residents are trying to clean up in between this continuing storm.

Thank you for your continued prayers and for your letters of comfort and encouragement.  We will continued to keep you updated, and especially as we visit with and speak with other members of the church in this country and the adjoining countries that are being affected by this storm.

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