Emergency services in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga are getting a clearer picture this morning of the damage left by Tropical Cyclone Tuni.
The category 1 cyclone battered Samoa and American Samoa yesterday bringing torrential rain that caused flooding and slips, while strong winds were recorded in Tonga. The storm is due to pass close to Niue tomorrow.
In Samoa, flash flooding was reported across the island of Savai'i and homes were evacuated in the capital Apia.
Much of the coastal road around the main island of Upolu was impassable last night because of flooded fords and rivers, and landslips.
The Vaisigano River, which flows through the capital Apia, burst its banks yesterday but Samoa's Disaster Management Office said water levels there and around the island had since dropped.
Markets, shops and homes were flooded on the island of Savai'i and all inter-island ferry crossings have been cancelled for today.
Radio New Zealand International correspondent in Samoa, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, said the southwest of Savai'i felt the full force of Tuni overnight.
Tropical cyclone and heavy rain warnings remain in effect for all of Samoa, and low lying coastal areas are warned of flooding due to high surf, the Disaster Management Office said.