The mission of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is to mobilize and coordinate effective and 
principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors. 

 

  

  

Samoan

 • 

Tsunami Sept 30

 

   

Situation Report

 #1 

   

Date/Time

 11.30am (23.30GMT)

 

 

 

This report was issued by UNOCHA’s Fiji Office. It covers the period from 6am 30/9/09 to 11.30 am 30/9/09.  

 

 
 

 
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 meters.  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. 
 

 
 
 

 

I. HIGHLIGHTS/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 

•

 

The Samoan Government is likely to declare a State of Disaster 

•

 

International Assistance is likely to be requested 

 

II. Situation Overview 

The mission of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is to mobilize and coordinate effective 
and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors. 
 
 
 
 

2

 

 
Clear information relating to humanitarian needs is still very limited, however: 
 
Initial Assessement 
NZAID have mobilised a P3 Orion to conduct a flyover of Southern Upolu. This aircraft is expected to arrive 
this evening.  They are also considering mobilizing a C130 with relief supplies. 
 
The Fourteenth Coast Guard District will be sending a C-130 from Oahu to Pago Pago today.  The aircraft will 
be transporting supplies and relief workers from DoD, FEMA, and Coast Guard.   
 
Emergency Shelter 
• There is a confirmed need for emergency shelter in Southern Upolu.  The NDMO is currently trying to set up 
emergency shelter sites. 
• The Samoan Red Cross have mobilized over 100 volunteers to all evacuation areas to undertake 
registration and assess other needs.  
 
Emergency Telecoms 
• Telephone communication with Samoa is currently very difficult 
The Samoa NDMO has requested additional Satellite phone airtime as a matter of urgency 
 
Food and Nutrition 
• There are as yet no indications of food and nutrition needs, however,  
• The Samoa Red Cross are also collecting coconuts to help meet early nutrition and water needs.   
 
Health 
• There is the potential for emergency medical care to be required 

 

 

NZAID/NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have established a crisis centre to co-ordinate NZ response. 
 
Samoa Red Cross have called a board meeting and are planning their response 
 
The IFRC in Suva and KL are on standby. 
 
Oxfam Australia are on standby. 
 
A UN Team coordination meeting will be called at 1pm (Fiji time) 2pm (Samoa time). 
 
OCHA continues to provide information to PHT partners as it becomes available. 
 
The National Disaster Council in Samoa will call a meeting with UN partners at 4pm this afternoon. 

 

 
 
OCAH Pacific - RDRA 
Peter Muller 

peter.muller@undp.org

 

Tel +679-331 6761  
Mob +679-999 1664 
 
 
 
 
 

 
New York 
Pia Hussein 
Asia-Pacific Section  
Coordination and Response 
Division 
UN Office for the Coordination 
of Humanitarian Affairs 
Phone: 1-917-367-9899 
BB: 1-917-602-0212 
E-Mail: 

husseinp@un.org

 

 

 

OCHA Regional Office Asia 
Pacific 
Ms. Yindee Lertcharoenchok 
Humanitarian Affairs Analyst 
(Disaster Response) 
Tel: +66 (0) 2288 2437 

lertcharoenchok@un.org

 

 

 

III. Humanitarian Needs and Response 

IV. Coordination 

VI. Contact