For immediate release
Friday October 2, 2009
International agency Oxfam’s emergency team is at work in Samoa today responding to
urgent needs. The immediate focus is to ensure survivors in remote rural areas have
clean water and basic sanitation.
Without coordinated action the public health situation is at risk of deteriorating if people
become dehydrated and sickness spreads through an already traumatised population.
Oxfam has worked for the past eight years alongside its Samoan partner organisation,
Women in Business Development Inc. (WIBDI), who operate in 150 rural villages
across Samoa, supporting a range of community-based projects aimed at alleviating
poverty, creating sustainable village economies and revitalising the agricultural sector.
“People are staying away from devastated villages today. They’re still in shock and a lot
are not ready to start again,” said Oxfam aid worker Janna Hamilton. “Many survivors
are wearing face masks due to the strong smell of dead fish and washed up vegetation
lying all over the roads and in the remnants of houses,” she added.
“Right now we are concerned for the urgent health needs,” said Janna. “But we are
committed to the long-haul. We will be helping rebuild their homes and livelihoods, and
ensuring communities become more resilient to future disasters.”
“One man told me he lost his shop, his home and he can’t get to his taro farm
anymore. He can no longer support his family,” said Janna. “Once the immediate
danger has passed, we need to help these people get back on their feet.”
This disaster is one of the largest Samoa has ever experienced. Oxfam is calling on
the public to respond generously to their appeals for funds, and is hoping to raise
NZ$250,000. The total donations currently stand at NZ$77,000.
Oxfam volunteers are on the street starting today with collection buckets to support the
Samoa Tsunami Appeal. Donations can be made to appeal on
Donations can also be made at The Body Shop, Levis and Baby Factory stores
nationwide.
/ends
Editors Notes:
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Jason Garman,
