assistance to Samoa and Tonga
SUVA, 1 October 2009 - UNICEF Pacific office based in Suva, Fiji, is sending a team to
Samoa and Tonga to assist with a rapid assessment on the needs of children and their
families affected by the tsunami that hit the Pacific region on 29 September. UNICEF
Pacific is also offering its assistance to American Samoa.
following an 8.3 magnitude earthquake striking of the coast of Samoa. The confirmed
number of fatalities in the three countries has exceeded 150. Tens of thousands have
been affected and there are reports of entire villages having been destroyed by the
tsunami.
Samoa and Tonga to guard against an outbreak of disease. Emergency supplies of oral
rehydration salts and water purification tablets will also be sent. UNICEF is planning to set
up nutrition, water and sanitation programs and working with Samoa and Tongan partners
to mobilize national systems for the protection of children and women. It is believed that up
to 6,000 children have been impacted by the tsunami in Samoa alone.
destruction of the tsunami and the resulting grief to the people of Samoa and Tonga:
This is a tragedy of unbelievable proportions and UNICEF Pacific is ready to work closely
and coordinated with our Samoan and Tongan partners and international agencies to
provide immediate relief and support to the people of Samoa and Tonga. From past
experiences we know that it is especially important that we work to immediately immunise
children against measles, ensure the protection of women and children who are especially
vulnerable now, and establish good sanitation facilities to prevent outbreak of diseases.
UNICEF is especially well prepared to provide support in these areas now."
and women, and will provide supplies and assistance to Samoa and Tonga in coordination
with the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator's Office and the UN Office for
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
