NEWSPAGE 02 October
2009

(Photos: New Zealand Defence Force)

NEW ZEALAND: NZ Defence Force personnel deploy to Samoa

NEW ZEALAND: How you can make donations for victims of the tsunami
Source: eventpolynesia.com

'Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds' established

Three (3) ‘anonymous’ organisations have donated $30,000 to start the 'Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds' for the people of Samoa and visitors affected by the tsunami on Wednesday morning.

This fund has already helped a local relief team from the neighbouring villages including Matatufu who are helping the village of Saleapaga, one of the worst hit villages. The fund will support in providing a digger, truck, clearing equipments and fuel to assists the local efforts in finding villagers who have been carried inland and buried under the sand and debris. Late yesterday afternoon this local relief team found and recovered 4 missing bodies inland under heavy sand and debris using shovels and bear hands to dig. Furthermore, we are also exploring other means of finding suitable vessels to search the coastal areas and the immediate offshore for those who are reported missing and believed to have been carried out to sea. This effort will continue also in other villages as we establish joint efforts with local communities to help them. This fund is primarily established to go directly to the people and communities in need (with threshold accountability systems agreed to) but without any unnecessary bureaucracies or ‘red tapes’.

Those who wish to donate towards helping Samoa and victims of the Tsunami, can do so by making a deposit into the following bank account:

Account Name: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
Account Number: 01-1837-0026899-000
Bank and Branch: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch

For further information about this relief fund, please contact Olo Elise Puni (Chairman):
(027) 228-5004 or (09) 573-0910.


Caritas Opens Appeal for Tsunami Relief in the Pacific

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has pledged $25,000 towards relief efforts in response to the earthquake and tsunami in the central Pacific on Wednesday (NZT). It is appealing for donations to help relief and recovery following the devastation that has affected parts of Samoa, American Samoa and the northern islands of Tonga.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is liaising and working through its partners on the ground Caritas Samoa and Caritas Tonga. There are immediate needs for food, water, shelter and support, especially in Samoa.

“It’s ironic that only last week, Caritas staff from New Zealand and Oceania were in Samoa, and participated in a simulation exercise involving a tsunami hitting the south coast,” said Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Director Michael Smith. Caritas Samoa has also run recent workshops on disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness.

On the day the tsunami hit, a Caritas Samoa team visited one of the worst affected areas on the south side of the main island of Upolu. Caritas staff helped survivors find higher ground, clear land and prepare temporary shelter. They also brought injured people to the hospital in the capital Apia, and helped get 70 people to shelter and safety at a Church centre south of Apia.

Caritas Samoa Director Puletini Tuala described the destruction he saw as “appalling”. The first concern has been to gather the people and lead them to higher ground, then to assist with shelter and carry out an assessment of other needs.

On the larger, but less populated, island of Savai’i, a Catholic pastoral centre has been converted to an emergency medical centre.

Caritas Samoa is coordinating its tsunami response with the local National Disaster Management Office and the Red Cross.

In Tonga, the Prime Minister’s office specifically asked Caritas Tonga to provide a counsellor to help people in the northern island of Niua Toputapu, where the capital Hihifo was reported to be completely 'wiped out'. Tonga has reported seven deaths.

Donations to Caritas’ Pacific Tsunami Appeal can be made by:

• Phoning 0800 22 10 22 to make credit card donations or

• Donating online using a credit card at www.caritas.org.nz or

• Posting to Caritas, PO Box 12193, Thorndon, Wellington 6144, New Zealand.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories.


Taeaomanino Trust collecting non-finacial donations

Taeaomanino Trust is taking an active role in collecting non-financial donations to be sent in a container to Samoa. The drop off points are as follows:

Porirua:
Taeaomanino Trust, Waiora Villa, 2 Hassell Road, Off Lower Main Drive, Kenepuru. The premises will be open from 8am until 9pm at night every day including the weekend.

Wellington:
The Lyall Bay Baptist Church, 4 Resolution St, Lyall Bay. Please call Rev Tavita Filemoni on 027-255-290 before delivery of goods.

If you have bigger items to be collected please call Juanita Tusani on 237-4213 and leave your contact details. We will have a truck available to collect items on Saturday. The container is likely to be sent on Monday and will go directly to the villages affected.
 
 

New Zealand Red Cross

The New Zealand Red Cross has launched a Samoa Tsunami Relief project at givealittle.co.nz


Oxfam New Zealand

Oxfam NZ is accepting donations for their rapid response emergency fund online at www.oxfam.org.nz, by phone 0800 400 666, or you can make make an automatic $20 donation, please call 0900 600 20.


Mercury Energy

Mercury Energy Customers can donate to help Samoan disaster relief online at www.mercury.co.nz, by texting the word Samoa followed by the amount you wish to pledge and your Mercury Energy account number to 515 (e.g. Text 'Samoa 20 John 012345678'), or by calling 0800 10 18 10 between 7.30am and 9pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 5pm on Saturday.


Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is asking for help with the clean up as residents look to rebuild. Contact the organisation at http://www.habitat.org.nz/


Pacific Cooperation Foundation Tsunami Relief Fund

Foreign Minister Murray McCully also announced details of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation Tsunami Relief Fund. Deposits can be made at any Westpac branch.


Pacific Blue / Polynesian Blue

Both Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue will begin collecting donations on board domestic New Zealand and international flights later today, for those Guests who would like to assist. The funds will be passed directly on to official charities for distribution.

New Zealanders and Australians who would like to assist and donate clothing, blankets, or tinned food can drop donations off at Pacific Blue check-in counters at airports in New Zealand and Australia. The donations will be freighted to Samoa by Polynesian Blue for distribution by government or aid agencies.
 

NEW ZEALAND: Polynesian Blue announces special fares to Samoa
Source: Polynesian Blue Press Release

Polynesian Blue, the International Airline of Samoa, has announced a special fare and increased baggage allowance to enable Samoans living in New Zealand and Australia to fly to Samoa to support family members and assist in the clean up following Wednesday's tsunami.

The airline is offering one-way fares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch to/from Apia for NZ$100 plus taxes (inclusive fares are NZ$128 ex NZ and NZ$113 ex Samoa) and from Sydney or Brisbane to Apia for AU$150 plus taxes (inclusive fares are AU$$219 ex Australia and AU$175.40 ex Samoa), subject to availability.

Extra baggage allowances are also being offered, rising from the standard allowance of 20kg to 30kg per person. This excess baggage will be carried free of charge, subject to aircraft weight restrictions.

"We also invite those who purchase a ticket to bring additional excess baggage to the airport and we will endeavour to get the additional baggage on board," said the airline's General Manager Commercial, Adrian Hamilton-Manns.

The airline said that the next Polynesian Blue flights from Auckland and Sydney to Apia will be tomorrow and that while those flights and others over the next week were full, there were seats available for the following week.

"Anyone already booked on flights over the next week will also have their baggage allowance increased to 30kgs per person, and will also be able to take this excess baggage at no charge and subject to availability."

Virgin Blue Group CEO Brett Godfrey offered Samoa's Prime Minister the airline's support. "This is a very sad time for the people of Samoa and we will do all we can to assist them," he said. "We know one immediate priority for many family members in New Zealand and Australia is to travel to Samoa to offer their assistance."

The fares are on sale now until 9 October 2009, for outbound travel to Samoa until 16 October 2009 and return flights until 30 November 2009. Changes will be permitted on the return flights at no charge, subject to availability.

The fares are available on the internet, by phone or in person at the Manukau, Auckland ticketing office - the extra $15 normally charged for phone or bookings in person is being waived.

The extra baggage allowances will apply until 16 October 2009.

In addition:

* Both Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue will begin collecting donations on board domestic New Zealand and international flights later today, for those Guests who would like to assist. The funds will be passed directly on to official charities for distribution.

* New Zealanders and Australians who would like to assist and donate clothing, blankets, or tinned food can drop donations off at Pacific Blue check-in counters at airports in New Zealand and Australia. The donations will be freighted to Samoa by Polynesian Blue for distribution by government or aid agencies.

Polynesian Blue is the joint venture airline between Virgin Blue Group and the Government of Samoa. It has five flights a week between Auckland and Apia, three flights a week between Sydney and Apia, and one flight a week between Brisbane and Apia.
 

(Photos: Ales Pribyl)

SAMOA: National Disaster Council issues Declaration of Disaster
Source: Government Press Secretariat Press Release

On Tuesday 29th September 2009, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8 on the Richter Scale occurred at the depth of 18 kilometers at 17:48:11UTC (6:48:11am local time) at about 195 kilometers South of Apia. The earthquake generated a tsunami which hit Samoa with a wave run up of about 130 meters and 2.7 meters in height. A Declaration of Disaster was issued for the whole of Samoa.

Coastal areas of Samoa sustained damages with extensive destruction mainly to the South to South Eastern coast of the island of Upolu. Damages were mainly to resorts, family homes and community buildings, roads, power lines and water supply located along the coastline of the affected areas. In other areas, villages were completely destroyed. The number of displaced families is estimated at 1000. The preliminary cost of infrastructural damage alone is estimated at around SAT$96.9 million but expected to escalate.

The number of persons reported injured has been estimated at around 146, with the number of casualties at time of press at 110 with the death toll likely to increase. Search and rescue efforts are continuing to locate those who remain missing.

Overwhelming relief assistances both financially and in-kind have been received from overseas countries through the local High Commissioners and Embassies such as Australia, New Zealand, United States of America, Germany, China, Tokelau and many others, as well as Samoa’s own local communities, i.e. Church Organisations, Business sectors, Non-Governmental Organisations and Individuals.

Mobilization of the relief distributions particularly in the way of tents, tarpaulins, food stuffs, clothings and water is being managed by the Disaster Advisory Committee under the authorization of the National Disaster Council.

Any relief and offer of emergency assistance is kindly requested to be channeled through the National Emergency Operation Center located at the Faleata Fire Station, contact numbers 24577 and 20459.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Lalomanu.

Photo 2 - FaoFao.

Photo 3 - Salani Surf Resort site.
 

AMERICAN SAMOA: Eni expresses gratitude for overwhelming expressions of support
Source: Office of Congressman Faleomavaega Press Release

Congressman Faleomavaega has announced that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has offered her condolences to the people of American Samoa.

In a statement released on Tuesday (September 29, 2009), Speaker Pelosi stated, “The thoughts of the entire Congress are with the people of American Samoa as they grapple with the terrible loss of life as a result of today’s tsunami. As the island works to rebuild, all levels of the government, including Congress, will move quickly to address the needs of American Samoa and the Americans who live there.”

President Obama declared a major declaration for the Territory of American Samoa, triggering the release of Federal funds to help individuals and communities respond to the Earthquake, Tsunami and Flooding that occurred beginning September 29th and continuing. FEMA is coordinating relief efforts, and the National Park Service and the Hawaii Air National Guard also have emergency responders en route to the Territory.

On Wednesday (September 30, 2009) Faleomavaega flew to Hawaii where he boarded a military aircraft being provided by the Hawaii Air National Guard which carried personnel support and emergency supplies to the areas devastated by the tsunami waves after the 8.3 earthquake and a 5.6 aftershock hit the middle of the Pacific, causing irreparable damage in American Samoa.

“The Hawaii Air National Guard will support the rescue and assessment teams that will be on the ground to assist the American Samoa Government,” Faleomavaega said. “Efforts are also underway to get other military flights into the Territory late tonight. Planes will be loaded with relief supplies for purposes of providing our people with food, water, and shelter. Federal and military personnel will assist with search and rescue efforts and will help rebuild roads that have been flooded.”

“Given early reports, it is expected that there will be a significant number of casualties and fatalities and this is why I want to thank all those whose thoughts and prayers are with the people of American Samoa during this tragic time. We mourn with those who have lost loved ones, but our faith remains steady through the storm for we know that God has made it possible for families to be together forever.”

“I especially thank Major General Robert Lee, the Adjutant General for the State of Hawaii, who mobilized the Hawaii Air National Guard in record time for the benefit of our people. I also thank John Jarvis, Director of the National Parks, who has kept my office informed of developments on the ground, and who has a crew en route to the Territory.”

“I also thank FEMA, NOAA, President Obama and Speaker Pelosi for their unequivocal support, and Members of Congress, including Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo of Guam and Congressman Gregory Sablan of CNMI for standing with us in our time of need.”

“I also thank Governor Togiola for the work he is doing to bring aid and relief to American Samoa. Our people can be assured that we will work together to meet this challenge and our offices are ready to assist our people every step of the way.”

Congressman Faleomavaega expressed his thanks to the President and First Lady, and many others for their overwhelming expressions of support for the people of American Samoa. President Obama issued the following statement:

“Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the earthquake and tsunami in American Samoa and the region. I am closely monitoring these tragic events, and have declared a major disaster for American Samoa, which will provide the tools necessary for a full, swift and aggressive response. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is in close and constant contact with emergency responders, and the U.S. Coast Guard is fully supporting the deployment of resources to those areas in need of immediate assistance. We also stand ready to help our friends in Samoa and the region. Going forward, we will continue to provide the resources necessary to respond to this catastrophe, and we will keep those who have lost so much in our thoughts and prayers."

President Obama has also sent word that he is trying to call Congressman Faleomavaega to offer personal assurances to the people of American Samoa that he and the First Lady stand with them in their time of need.

“I am deeply touched by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s support of our Samoan people as we struggle to deal with the terrible loss of life, and begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding,” Faleomavaega said. “The President even addressed the situation in American Samoa at the top of his remarks this morning on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act at the National Institutes of Health.”

He said:

“Before I begin my remarks about this extraordinary institution I want to say a word about the tragic events that took place yesterday in America Samoa. My deepest sympathies are with the families who've lost loved ones and the many people whose lives have been affected by the earthquake and the tsunami. To aid in the response I declared this a major disaster to speed the deployment of resources. And FEMA -- the Federal Emergency Management Agency -- is working closely with emergency responders on the ground, and the Coast Guard is helping to provide immediate help to those in need. We also stand ready to help our friends in neighboring Samoa and throughout the region, and we'll continue to monitor the situation closely as we keep the many people who've been touched by this tragedy in our thoughts and in our prayers.”

“Support is also pouring in from Members of the House and Senate,” Faleomavaega said.

“Chairman Howard L. Berman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee issued the following statement:”

“I want to express my deepest condolences to the people of American Samoa and Samoa who have suffered great losses from the tsunami that swept the islands. The losses are staggering. The sympathy of the Foreign Affairs Committee is with our good friend and the chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Eni Faleomavaega, the delegate from American Samoa. We commend him for his efforts and extend our fullest support during this trying time.”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Chairman Howard Berman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman Nick Rahall of the House Resources Committee, Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs; Congressman Gregory Sablan, Congresswoman Donna Christensen, Congressman Henry Brown, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Congressman Mike Honda, Congressman Jeff Flake, Congressman Buck McKeon, Congressman Anh Joseph Cao, Congressman Mike Quigley, Congressman Rick Larsen, Congresswoman Jackie Speier who represents the San Francisco Bay area, and many others also offered their condolences.

“Carole King expressed her desire to help with relief efforts, and stated that “her thoughts and prayers are with the people of American Samoa.”

Don Binotto, President and CEO of StarKist, stated, “It is times like these that make you realize the importance of your employees, friends and families. At this moment, American Samoa is our family. We will help them going forward.”

“My Washington office has also been inundated with calls from many non-profit organizations which are ready to provide necessary assistance,” the Congressman continued.

“My office has also received letters and phone calls from Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev of Kazakhstan, and Ambassador Erlan Iddrisov, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the US, who expressed their heart-felt concerns for the people of American Samoa and offered to be with us every step of the way as we work our way to recovery.”

“Ambassador Zhou of the People’s Republic of China made early contact with my office to assure us of China’s support. We have also received letters and calls from the Republic of Korea, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Palau and the calls keep coming in.”

“While my heart breaks for all those we lost, especially our little school children who were running for home when the waves hit, I continue to put my faith and trust in God. I know that God knows our troubles and hears our prayers, and He is answering our prayers through our friends at home and abroad. As we keep together, I have every confidence we will get through this, but we will never forget those who are no longer with us.”

“We will get through this. And, as we begin the process of rebuilding, I want to also thank NBC Nightly News, ABC News, Good Morning America, CNN, Fox, the AP wire, the BBC, and other media outlets who have carried our story and drawn attention to American Samoa’s need for support. Again, we appreciate the thoughts and prayers of our nation as our hearts go out to the families we have lost today. May God be with them and all of us, until we meet again.”
 
“Again, I express my deepest appreciation to all those who have called and emailed and faxed in letters of condolences and support. Once more, I also thank Major General Robert Lee of the Hawaii Air National Guard, FEMA, the US Navy, the US Coast Guard, the US Air Force, the US Army, the US National Park Service, the White House, Congress, President Obama and the First Lady, and all those too numerous to name including the major networks and news agencies who are bringing attention to our needs and supporting us through this tragedy,” Faleomavaega concluded.
 

WORLDWIDE: Condolences for tsunami victims come from around the world

NZ Governor-General expresses sadness at tsunami tragedy
Source: Government House

The Governor-General of New Zealand, Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, has expressed his deep sadness on the destruction and loss of life caused by Wednesday’s tsunami.

The Governor-General, and Lady Satyanand, who are in Papua New Guinea on a State Visit, have written to the Head of State of Samoa, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi offering his condolences on the loss of life.

“Having visited your beautiful nation many times, including twice as Governor-General, I have found the news of the loss of life deeply distressing,” Sir Anand said in his message to the Head of State.

“In happier times we have often commented publicly on the strong ties between Samoa and New Zealand and the warm and friendly relationship our two countries share.

“The strength of any friendship lies not in the good times, but how we respond in the bad times. I know the Prime Minister, Hon John Key, on behalf of the New Zealand Government, has offered to do all New Zealand can do to assist Samoa and its Pacific neighbours at this time and I reiterate that commitment.”

Sir Anand said while the loss of life and damage will be most keenly felt in Samoa, the grief and heartache will also be deeply felt in New Zealand.

“Many New Zealanders have visited Samoa and have fond memories of island holidays and it is clear that New Zealand lives were lost in the tragedy. Many New Zealanders, myself included, have professional and business connections with people in Samoa and will have lost friends and colleagues.

“The loss in New Zealand will be most keenly felt by the more than 130,000 New Zealanders of Samoan descent. There will be few who will not be personally affected by this tragedy.”

Sir Anand extended his deepest condolences to the Head of State and the people of Samoa on the loss they have suffered.

“I also extend my condolences to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.”

The Governor-General also offered his condolences to the people of American Samoa and Tonga.


Thoughts and prayers with Pacific people
Source: Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs

Georgina te Heuheu, Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, has expressed her deepest respects to all Pacific people, particularly Samoan and Tongan people, for the continuing unfolding tragedy in the Pacific.

“Since yesterday, so much more of this tragedy has been revealed - further loss of life including in Tonga, many loved ones still unaccounted for, and many more people injured and fragile. In addition, families are now facing complete devastation in homes and villages.”

The Minister said she was saddened at the loss of life from the earthquake and tsunami in the Pacific, particularly at the extent of this.

“I wish to extend my condolences and my sympathies once again to the people of Samoa and also to the people of the Kingdom of Tonga over the loss of so many lives.

“In this time of profound grief I seek to stand with Pacific people to share the sorrow and pain of this unthinkable tragedy.

“New Zealand and the Pacific share a strong and special relationship. Our shared Polynesian history and culture binds us together as Tagata Pasifika.

“May I on behalf of all Pacific peoples and communities throughout Aotearoa, extend our collective thoughts, prayers and arohanui to Pacific communities and people wherever they may be.

“As Associate Minister of Maori Affairs, I also know that Maori and iwi across the motu will also mourn this sad loss of so many lives.

“I trust that Pacific people’s strong sense of community and faith in God will stand them in good stead in the days ahead as they mourn those who have been lost, and prepare to rebuild their lives and communities.”


Labour Pacific Sector Council tribute to the victims of the tsunami
Source: Labour Pacific Sector Council

As our Pacific community’s cry out in grief for their loved ones that will never return. We shall share with them the pain and sorrow of a voice that will never be heard again.

Sector vice president says we can only imagine what our pacific A’iga are going through. As comments of support and compassion are echoed through out the world the Labour Party Pacific Sector send a message of Prayer , Love and hope to all those who maybe affected on this dark day in the Pacific.

We acknowledge the Labour caucus lead by Luamanuvao Winnie Laban in there quick response to be with our Samoan people and offering any assistance they can to a nation that has long history with the Party.

Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the Tongan community who have been affected and have had to endure yet another tragic event in a matter of months. No doubt our Pacific Community’s here in NZ and around the world will come together to do what they can for their Pacific brothers and sisters to ensure the burden of grief is softened in anyway.


Samoa’s Tsunami Tragedy Binds The Hearts of Samoans & NZ
Source: Office of Su'a William Sio

Today many Samoans in New Zealand, and around the world, have kept their ear close to the ground trying to reach family in Samoa and listening to any news reports for answers related to missing family and friends, says Labour MP for Mangere Su’a William Sio.

“Many Samoans, and people of other nationalities who have strong bonds to the people and the islands of Samoa, will be affected by this tragedy.

“The final death toll is yet to come in so I say to the Samoan community living in New Zealand: be strong in your hearts, be courageous, be of good cheer, and keep the faith in the difficult days that lie ahead.

“To those who already know they have lost a loved one, or have suffered injury, or loss of home, or livelihood, I extend my families’ love and our prayers to you.

I extend my heartfelt sympathies to His Highness the Head of State of Samoa, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and to the Rt Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of Samoa for the tragic circumstances they and the people of Samoa find themselves in.

“Our thoughts are with all those suffering in the aftermath of the tsunami and earthquake on all the islands affected,” says Su’a William Sio.

“I also reflect to New Zealand the deepest appreciation of Samoan communities feel towards the country, knowing that the Government and New Zealanders, as individuals, local councils and many community organisations, are prepared and willing to step forward and help out.

“To New Zealanders, your unselfish actions lighten the burdens on the minds of Samoans and provide much comfort to the Samoan community both in New Zealand and Samoa.”

“Words can’t fully express what many of us are feeling at this time.”


Condolence message by Forum Chair to American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga
Source: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

On behalf of the membership of the Pacific Islands Forum, I wish to formally convey our deepest condolences to Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga for the tragic loss of life as a consequence of the tsunami that struck on the morning of 29 September. Our prayers go out to all of those families who have lost loved ones and those injured or displaced by this tragic event.

I am confident that the Pacific family will do all it can to support the relief efforts in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga.

As Chair of the Forum, I urge the broader international community to mobilise in support of the relief and recovery efforts and long term reconstruction of the villages and infrastructure devastated by the impacts of both the tsunami and the earthquake.


British Prime Minister’s message to Samoa
Source: British High Commission

“I want to send my heartfelt condolences to the people of Samoa, Tonga and the Philippines. All of us watching these scenes will be shocked and saddened at the sheer scale of the devastation. We stand ready to help in any way we can.”

The United Kingdom Government has announced a £100,000 donation to help victims of Samoa’s Tsunami disaster.

George Fergusson, the British High Commissioner to Samoa is about to arrive in Apia to join other consular officials on the ground .He says “ I am horrified by the tragedy which has hit the islands and by the suffering of so many people there. “

“I know many of the areas affected and want to offer my heartfelt condolences to the people of Samoa.”

The money will be donated to the Samoan Red Cross.


Message from President Obama to the people of the Pacific region
Source: Embassy of the United States of America

"Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the earthquake and tsunami in American Samoa and the region. I am closely monitoring these tragic events, and have declared a major disaster for American Samoa, which will provide the tools necessary for a full, swift and aggressive response. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is in close and constant contact with emergency responders, and the U.S. Coast Guard is fully supporting the deployment of resources to those areas in need of immediate assistance. We also stand ready to help our friends in Samoa and the region. Going forward, we will continue to provide the resources necessary to respond to this catastrophe, and we will keep those who have lost so much in our thoughts and prayers."