Samoa/Tonga Tsunami Update 2

Aftershocks from Wednesday's quake continue to affect Samoa and Tonga.Additional information about the effects of the tsunami have been reported in OCHA's Situation Report(SITREP)#2.

Western Samoa
Western Samoa has declared a State of Disaster and requested assistance from foreign missions and the United Nations. 62 people are now confirmed dead and 142 confirmed injured. However, the Samoan NDMO believes that up to 100 people may have been killed with many more injured and displaced. Widespread damage to houses and infrastructure has occurred. However, UNDP Samoa reports that major roads on Upolu Island are not too damaged.

In many instances, relatives from Apia are driving to affected areas to collect injured family members and bring them to Apia hospital. Caritas Australia reports that they have converted the Pastoral Centre at Logoipulotu in Savaii to an emergency medical centre. It is also reported that many families are providing shelter to relatives who may have had their homes damaged or destroyed.

Eye witness reports suggest that looters have entered some resorts but there are no reports of widespread looting at this point.

Tonga
The Government of Tonga has declared a State of Emergency for Niuatoputapu, the closest island to Samoa (about 400 miles North of Nuku’alofa). The total population of Niuatoputapu is approximately 1,000 people. Tonga Defence Services have confirmed that 6 people are dead and 4 missing. Widespread damage is also reported, including to the hospital, which the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management reports have been destroyed, and many coastal villages.

The Australian vessel – the Voea Neiafu – will depart Nuku'alofa at 1900 local time tonight (30 September Fiji time). Its estimated arrival time in Niuatoputapu is 1900 local tomorrow (1 October Fiji Time). The ship will take food, stores (tents, tarpaulins etc.), medical supplies, a 5-person civilian medical team, one Tonga Red Cross personnel and a two-person media team.

American Samoa
There are 19 reported, but unconfirmed fatalities, in Pago Pago, the capital. US President Barack Obama has declared a “Major Disaster” and FEMA are coordinating a response.

Clear Areas
Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Niue, and Fiji have not suffered major damage as a result of the Tsunami.

News reports can be found on Radio New Zealand International, TVNZ and on Relief Web.

APCEDI will continue to monitor this situation as more details become clear.
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Kevin Vang
APCEDI Coordinator

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