samoa tsunami - disaster relief
u.n. situation reports
Samoa/Tonga: Tsunami OCHA Situation Report No. 11 - 23/10/09
The situation is gradually shifting from emergency phase to early recovery. In the meantime, access to sufficient water for the displaced population is identified as a problem by the water sector. Sanitation also remains a concern and building of pit latrines is ongoing as a priority short-term intervention.
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Samoa/Tonga: Tsunami OCHA Situation Report No. 10 - 16/10/09
As the rainy season will soon begin in Samoa, the need for transitional shelters or semipermanent housing will become more apparent.
Assessments suggests that approximately 4,500 people have been directly affected by the tsunami, most of who are displaced. However, this figure is assumed to be the lower estimate since the assessment information compilation is still ongoing.
In Tonga it was reported that 89 out of 225 houses on the island were totally destroyed and 56 were damaged. Most Government buildings were destroyed with serious damage to the Hihifo primary school. Most students lost books and stationery.
Water and sanitation systems are seriously damaged, while eight fishing boats, the Fisheries office and an ice-making plant were destroyed. Two churches and five community halls were seriously damaged.
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Samoa/Tonga: Tsunami OCHA Situation Report No. 9 - 14/10/09
In Samoa, urgently needed relief items include building and gardening tools; food and water storage containers; hurricane lamps; mosquito nets; building materials; cooking utensils; cooking stoves; radios and batteries; tables and chairs; bedding; and school furniture.
Key infrastructure and lifeline utilities have been restored in Samoa. However, lack of sanitation facilities remains an issue and support is needed to ensure full coverage of sanitation facilities. The humanitarian response continues in Samoa.
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Samoa/Tonga: Tsunami OCHA Situation Report No. 8 - 11/10/09
About 3,000 people attended the national memorial service on 8 October in Samoa.
In Samoa, family food security is considered very fragile due to the tsunami impact on livelihood. Loss of pigs and poultry, fishing gears and canoes urgently needs replacement as means to restore livelihood activities that ensure family protein source.
In Samoa, reopening of schools is a priority. However, this requires basic furniture, access to sufficient clean water and sanitary facilities for the host schools, possibly school tents for additional space, first aid kits and transport.
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Samoa/Tonga: Tsunami OCHA Situation Report No. 6 - 7 October 2009
Samoa
The death toll in Samoa now stands at 137, with the majority of the victims being female, young or elderly. About 310 people were injured and treated in hospital, and six still missing. Assessments indicate that 40 villages have been affected along the south-eastern coast, with 20 villages completely destroyed by tsunami waves.
Approximately 3,200 people (640 families) have been left homeless. People are living in makeshift shelters in their gardens on higher grounds and with host families. The Government of Samoa (GoS) estimated the cost of damage to infrastructure, public and private properties at around Samoan tala 380 million (approximately US$ 150 million).
The relief effort is focussed in two locations: (1) the southern coast
of Upolu, where the most significant damage was sustained, and (2) the small island of Manono, where infrastructure and water supply were damaged. The GoS, assisted by Australia and New Zealand, is repairing the water system.Samoa has downgraded the situation from a state of "disaster" to an
"emergency". Traditional community structures and the system of
traditional leadership "matai" assisted greatly in the response,
facilitating affected families to quickly find support from other family
members or neighbours in the community.A national burial and service for the victims will be held in Samoa on 8 October. So far, nine families have accepted the offer for burial in
mass graves.Tonga
A total of nine deaths have been reported, with 465 people affected and more than 300 people left homeless as a result of the tsunami that struck the island of Niuatoputapu. Eighty houses have been destroyed and an additional 56 houses were damaged although they were considered repairable.
The situation in Tonga appears to be stabilizing. Authorities reported that the priority needs of survivors are water and shelter, and added that immediate relief needs of those affected would be met by existing resources.
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Samoa/Tonga: Tsunami OCHA Situation Report No. 5 - 4 October 2009
SamoaThe death toll in Samoa continues to rise while bodies are recovered and now stands at 135. Relief efforts are now mainly focussed on the southern coast of Upolu, which is the worst hit area.
Despite the damage sustained, the affected areas are well accessible by road. Authorities and other national organisations continue to distribute relief items, including food, water, clothing and tarpaulins.
Food, water, shelter, clothing and sanitation continue relief priorities. A number of international organisations are supporting humanitarian relief and early recovery activities.
Tonga
The efforts of the Government of Tonga are focused on the island of Niuatoputapu, with support from Australia, New Zealand and France. Food, shelter, non-food items and emergency medical supplies have been distributed, or are lined up for delivery. The Government of
Tonga indicate that current relief efforts are within the capacity of existing partners and that the situation is under control. It is likely that additional support will be sought to manage early recovery efforts.
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Samoa/Tonga: Tsunami OCHA Situation Report No. 4 - 2 October 2009
(United Nations Office Coordinating Humanitarian Affairs)
Situation Overview
Samoa
As of 1 October, 129 people have been confirmed dead, and 310 people have been admitted to hospitals. About 15,000 people have been affected, out of a total population of 179,000. The Government of Samoa estimates the total damage to be around 170 million Tala (US$ 70 million).
The worst hit areas are Aleipata, Saleapaga, Leap, Falealili, Siumu on the South Coast of Upolu and the island of Monono. The south eastern coast is particularly badly affected. In these areas most coastal houses are damaged and unlivable. Power lines are down, water supplies disrupted, and seawalls damaged. Landslides are also being reported in the area.
There is still no clarity on the number of displaced people, but the Samoa Red Cross FACT team has reported that 20 villages have been completely destroyed. The Government of Samoa estimates that up to 1,000 families could be homeless. There are currently 12 evacuation centres set up for the affected population. The Government continues to distribute food, tarpaulins, water, and other emergency relief items to all evacuation centres.
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Samoa/Tonga: Tsunami OCHA Situation Report 03 - 30th Sep 2009
(United Nations Office Coordinating Humanitarian Affairs)
This report was issued by UNOCHA's Fiji Office. It covers the period
from 8.00pm 31/9/09 to 7.00 pm 01/10/09.
I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES
- A total of 110 deaths in Samoa, and seven in Tonga, have now been reported.
- Emergency medical services are a priority need in both countries along with water, food, and shelter.
- Samoa has declared a "State of Disaster". Tonga has declared
Niuatoputapu a "Regional Area of Emergency".II. Situation Overview
On 29 September at 06.48 hour local time, a powerful magnitude 8.0
Earthquake struck to the south of the main Samoan Island chain with its epicentre 190 km south of the Samoan capital of Apia. The Pacific
Tsunami Warning Centre issued a series of Regional Tsunami Warning and related advisories. A series of quake-triggered tsunami waves hit American Samoa, Western Samoa, and the small northern island of Niuatoputapu in Tonga around 0700 hours local time. The quake and the high waves, some of which are said to be as high as 6 metres, have caused serious casualty and damages to the affected Pacific Island countries.Samoa
As of 30 September, the Government of Samoa (GoS) reported 110 deaths and 146 injuries. The number is expected to rise as search and rescue operations are continuing.
GoS has declared a "State of Disaster" and is being assisted by foreign missions and the United Nations. Assessments and the distribution of relief have been mobilized by the National Disaster Council with assistance from international and local partners.
The worst affected areas are reported to be the South and South Eastern coast of the island of Upolu. Damage to family homes, community buildings, resorts, roads, power lines and water supply close to coastal areas has been widely reported. Oxfam NZ reports that the Poutasi hospital has been destroyed and that water supply and electricity are down in many of the affected areas. Some villages on Upolu, Monono and Savaii islands are still reported to be under water. Communications by email and telephone remain difficult.
Key needs identified at this point are water, food, shelter supplies and psychosocial support.
Tonga
The island of Niuatoputapu, located 400 miles north of Nuku'alofa, was struck at three minute intervals by three 6-metre waves at around 0700 hours local time on 29 September. Waves are reported to have travelled up to 600 metres inland. Nearby Niuafo'ou Island is unaffected due to high cliffs.
Seven people are reported dead, three are missing, four survivors are in a critical condition, and other survivors have sustained major injuries. The four critically injured people were scheduled to be airlifted to the nearest hospital today.
There is no potable water left on the island and major damage to crops due to the inundation of sea water is expected. Water storage facilities have also been destroyed.
The total population of Niuatoputapu is approximately 1,400. About 90% of houses are reported to have been destroyed in the villages of Hihifo and Falehau. The third village, Vaipoa, is reported to be relatively unharmed. According to the 2006 census, the combined population of Hihifo and Falehau is approximately 700 people. Many displaced people are now assembling in the hall at the High School.
The only communication to the island is via the airport control tower
and a yacht moored just offshore.A Tongan Navy Patrol Boat carrying a medical team, counsellors, army engineers and supplies is expected to arrive in Niuatoputapu at 6pm tonight. Upon arrival, the Tonga Defence Service, who are in charge of the relief operation, will establish a command centre, assess the damage, and identify any further needs for assistance. The island also has a Red Cross depot of emergency supplies.
A French Frigate will be calling at Nukulofa on a goodwill mission and
leaving again on Saturday (Tongan time) for to Niuatoputapu. It will be able to carry supplies.Key needs identified at this point are medical assistance, food, water, shelter, nonfood and sanitary items.
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Samoa/Tonga: Tsunami OCHA Situation Report 02 - 30th Sep 2009
(United Nations Office Coordinating Humanitarian Affairs)
I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES
- Death toll in Western Samoa has risen to 62 and is expected to rise
- Northern Tonga also affected with 6 confirmed dead. A State of Emergency has been declared for Niuatoputapu
- Western Samoa has declared a State of Disaster and requested assistance from foreign missions and the United Nations.
II. Situation Overview
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.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 01 - 30th Sep 2009
(United Nations Office Coordinating Humanitarian Affairs)
- Samoa: Tsunami - OCHA-01: 30-Sep-09
I. Key Priorities
- An 8.3 magnitude earthquake has generated a tsunami wave in the Samoan region
- Unconfirmed reports of 19 dead in American Samoa and 17 dead in Western Samoa
II. Situation Overview
An earthquake of magnitude 8.3 and depth 33 kms struck in the Samoa Islands Region, coordinates 15.3 SOUTH, 171.0 WEST at approximately 1748 GMT 29 SEP (5.48 am 30 Sept Fiji time).
This earthquake did generate a Tsunami. Forecast heights were between .7 and 1.57m.
American Samoa
In American Samoa wave heights were reported to be 1.57 metres. There are 19 reported, but unconfirmed fatalities, in Pago Pago, the capital. FEMA reports of widespread damage in low lying areas, including coastal roads to outlying villages. The water main is reported to have failed in the Pago Pago main village and a power outage is reported island wide. The FAA is reporting that the airport is closed with debris on the runway and TACAN navigation aid damaged. Work is underway to clear the runway.
Western Samoa
In Western Samoa the Samoan Red Cross and NZAID report that waves of a destructive size have struck the southern coast of Upolu Island. 17 deaths have been reported, and there are also reports of people missing and damage to houses. It is believed that the northern Island, Savaii, has also been affected although there is as yet no indication of potential deaths or casualties.
Fiji
Waves have also reached the Lau Group, Rotuma, Vanua Levu and Taveuni in Fiji. Residents of Vanabalavu (Lau Group) reported that a series of 10 waves entered the lagoon during low tide but did not breach the sea wall. No damage has been reported in Fiji so far.
Tonga
There is no significant damage reported. High sea levels in Ha'apai have affected low lying areas in Lifuka from Pangai to Hihifo side and also the areas between Tailulu college and the Hospital at Hihifo. The hospital is reported to be flooded. Water has reached the road at Hihifo although it appears unlikely it will breach the road.
Clear Areas
Reports have been received that Kiribati has not been affected by the Tsunami.
Reports have also been received that the Federated States of Micronesia has not been affected, and that the Marshall Islands have seen some high wave action, but have not been affected by the Tsunami or the current tropical storm.
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