This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20722395
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Cyclone Evan rips through Samoa as Apia homes flattened | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A powerful cyclone has caused widespread destruction on the Pacific island of Samoa, cutting power, uprooting trees and triggering floods. | |
| Unconfirmed reports said at least two people had been killed by Cylcone Evan, which hit Samoa on Thursday. | Unconfirmed reports said at least two people had been killed by Cylcone Evan, which hit Samoa on Thursday. |
| In the capital, Apia, homes were flattened and the Vaisigano River burst its banks, washing away cars, trees and other debris. | In the capital, Apia, homes were flattened and the Vaisigano River burst its banks, washing away cars, trees and other debris. |
| But fears the cyclone might hit Samoa a second time have receded. | But fears the cyclone might hit Samoa a second time have receded. |
| 'Like tsunami' | |
| New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully told reporters that "the best guess" was that the cyclone would not return. | New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully told reporters that "the best guess" was that the cyclone would not return. |
| Samoa's Disaster Management Office said power was off throughout the country. | Samoa's Disaster Management Office said power was off throughout the country. |
| "Tanugamanono power plant is completely destroyed and we might not have power for at least two weeks," it said. | "Tanugamanono power plant is completely destroyed and we might not have power for at least two weeks," it said. |
| The village of Lelata, just outside Apia, was also ravaged by the cyclone. | |
| The village looked "like a tsunami has struck" it, local reporter Keni Lesa was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency. | |
| New Zealand's high commissioner in Apia, Nick Hurley, said the cyclone was bigger than other tropical storms he had experienced in the region, and its strength was unexpected. | New Zealand's high commissioner in Apia, Nick Hurley, said the cyclone was bigger than other tropical storms he had experienced in the region, and its strength was unexpected. |
| "The unpredictable nature of this one has made it quite different," he said. | "The unpredictable nature of this one has made it quite different," he said. |
| "The forecast winds did not give any indication of how strong the impact was going to be." | "The forecast winds did not give any indication of how strong the impact was going to be." |
| The cyclone generated winds of up to 165km/h (100 mph) as it hit Samoa. | The cyclone generated winds of up to 165km/h (100 mph) as it hit Samoa. |
| Are you in the area? You can contact us using the form below. | Are you in the area? You can contact us using the form below. |
| Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
| Read the terms and conditions | Read the terms and conditions |