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A powerful cyclone has ripped through the South Pacific island nation of Samoa, flattening homes, uprooting trees and flooding streets.
There were reports that three people had been killed by Cyclone Evan, according to New Zealand foreign minister Murray McCully, but police in Samoa have not confirmed that.
The storm lashed Samoa with winds of up to 100mph on Friday.
Samoa Observer editor Keni Lesa said the cyclone caused serious damage in the capital Apia, flinging cars into trees and causing flash floods.
Phone lines, internet service and electricity were down across the country, and the airport was closed.
Mr Lesa said the village of Lelata, just outside Apia, looks "like a tsunami has struck" it.
Press Association
