EOC conducted full-scale emergency test on Monday in Manu’a

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) conducted an emergency disaster exercise yesterday, Sept. 05, in the Manu’a island group, which has been experiencing ongoing tremors for several weeks.

The Homeland Security Department (ASDHS) says in a media statement on Sunday that the exercise was expected to be a Full-Scale Emergency Exercise on the government’s Manu’a Evacuation Plan and was set to begin at 9a.m. through early afternoon.

This emergency exercise provides a valuable opportunity for the EOC, ASDHS, airport personnel, first responders, and law enforcement professionals to collectively test evacuation procedures, communication, and coordination.

Evaluators will then offer their assessment and feedback on what worked well; identify potential challenges; and what, if any, improvements could be made.”

Residents of Manu’a who witness activity in the area should not be alarmed. Update when it becomes available.