This report was issued by OCHA New York. It covers the period from 01/10/09 to 02/10/09.
I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES
- At least 129 people dead and over 15,000 people affected in Samoa.
- The Government of Samoa estimates the total damage at US$ 70 million.
- Niuatoputapu is the most affected island in Tonga.
- Nine deaths reported in Tonga. An estimated 800 people are displaced.
- Emergency operations are ongoing in Samoa and Tonga; potable water is the priority concern.
II. Situation Overview
In the morning of 29 September, a powerful earthquake of 8.0 magnitude struck off the main Samoan Island chain. A series of quake-triggered tsunami waves hit Samoa, Tonga and American Samoa. The earthquake 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 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.
The Samoa Red Cross is also distributing tarpaulins, blankets, water containers, bags of clothing, rice, lanterns, kerosene and noodles to evacuees in shelters. Women In Business, in partnership with Oxfam New Zealand, are supporting families with food and other assistance.
New Zealand and Australian defense force assets are being used to assist in emergency operations – assisting in repatriation and assisting in humanitarian response. Civilian assets include medical assistance, search and rescue, and Disaster Victim Identification.
