More food aid arrives in American Samoa

APIA, Samoa, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Red Cross was increasing the amount of food it is sending into tsunami-hit areas of American Samoa.

Red Cross care administrator Richard Rieckenburg said nine pallets of food have just arrived on the island, including rice, oatmeal and tinned meat, Radio New Zealand reported.

The food will be distributed as soon as it has cleared customs, he added.

At least 32 people died in the United States territory when waves of up to six meters slammed into parts of its coastline and more than 4,000 people were displaced.

Electricity generation is down to a third of normal levels after the American territory's main power plant was damaged beyond repair by the tsunami.

A U.S. military official has told Radio New Zealand plans will be announced to bring in 31 one-megawatt generators.

The generators will be in place until a new plant is constructed, which is expected to take between 12 and 18 months. Some estimates put the price of the new power station at 25 million U.S. dollars.

Landline communication to Tonga's battered northern island of Niuatoputapu has been fully restored on Thursday.

Nine people were killed when a tsunami swept across the island a week ago.

Water supply for the village of Hihifo has also been restored. However, there is an urgent need for basic school supplies and spare parts and fuel for motor vehicles, the radio said.