NEOC SITREP 6
NEOC SITREP: 6
Date: 09/10/09
Event Name: Samoa Tsunami
1
Samoa Tsunami SITREP
EVENT NAME: Samoa Tsunami
SITREP No: 6
From: National Emergency Operation Centre Date/time:
1600 hrs, 9 October 2009
Summary
Overview
A magnitude 8.3 earthquake occurred at 0648 hours on Tuesday 29 September 2009 190 km south of Apia.
The earthquake triggered tsunami waves which impacted Samoa, American Samoa and the small northern
island of Niauatoputapu in Tonga. The tsunami waves, some of which are said to have been as high as six
metres, caused fatalities, casualties and serious damage to the affected Pacific Island countries.
The parameters of the earthquake are:
Origin time
—
Tuesday 29 September 2009 at 0648 hours
Coordinates
—
15.3°S, 171.0°@W
Focal depth
—
33 km
Location
—
Samoa Islands Region
Richter Magnitude —
8.3
Proclamation status
A Proclamation was signed by his Highness the Head of State declaring Samoa as a State of Emergency on
2 October 2009. The Proclamation will remain in force for 30
days. This is intended to make it easier for
donor assistance as well as transport services rules to be waived to ensure that all types of assistance and
needs are provided for immediately.
Summary of response
The response effort is still continuing with early recovery planning now underway. Key infrastructure and
lifeline utilities such as communications, roading, water, and power have been restored.
Government agencies, NGO’s, emergency services, international agencies and lifeline utility operators have
responded both on the ground and via their Emergency Operations Centres. The National Emergency
Operations Centre established at the Faleata Fire Station is the central control point for the response
operation.
Summary of relief priorities
Items still urgently needed in the relief effort are:
•
Building and gardening tools
•
Food and water storage containers
•
Hurricane
lamps
•
Mosquito
nets
•
Building
materials
•
Cooking utensils (pots and teapots)
•
Cooking stoves (kerosene)
•
Transistor radios and batteries
•
Dining room tables and chairs
•
Desks and chairs (for schools)
•
Bedding
NEOC SITREP 6
NEOC SITREP: 6
Date: 09/10/09
Event Name: Samoa Tsunami
2
Event Status
Tsunami
The coastal areas of Samoa sustained damages with extensive destruction mainly to the south eastern coast
of Upolu Island. Damages were to resorts, family homes and community buildings, roads, power lines and
water supply located along the coastline of the affected areas.
People
Deaths:
•
The death toll is now 143 confirmed deaths.
Missing:
•
5 people are missing.
Search and recovery is continuing today to search for the remaining missing
people.
Injuries:
•
310
injuries.
Weather
The weather forecast for the next five days is mainly fine with light winds.
Response activities
Samoan Government and responding agencies
•
Distribution of relief assistance donated by overseas governments, international organizations,
local church organizations, NGOs and IGOs such as food, water and water storage facilities,
clothing, tarpaulins/tents, building tools, sanitation facilities, medical and primary health care
supplies to victims of the tsunami are continuing with the support of the New Zealand Defence
Force and international organizations.
Relief supplies/Financial assistance
•
New Zealand's contribution to the Pacific disaster relief operation continues with the Navy's multi-
purpose vessel HMNZS Canterbury, (including a Seasprite helicopter embarked), setting sail from
the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland at 10am Samoa time today [Friday 9 October], loaded with
supplies and equipment for Samoa and Tonga.
•
The shipment includes 10 containers of donated goods from the Samoan and Tongan communities
in Auckland, some of which will go to specific villages affected by the tsunami.
•
The Samoan Consul-General in Auckland, Faolotoi Reupena Pogi, has chaired a group of
community leaders co-ordinating the donations for Samoa. They included Maungakiekie MP Peseta
Sam Lotu-iiga and former All Black Laauli Michael Jones. The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs has
provided administrative support and liaison with NZAID.
•
The Government is looking at the draft assessment by the Early Recovery Cluster that will provide
additional information on unmet needs for shelter, livelihoods and environment. The final
assessment report will be available early next week.
NEOC SITREP 6
NEOC SITREP: 6
Date: 09/10/09
Event Name: Samoa Tsunami
3
Donations
Two bank accounts have been established by the Ministry of Finance for lodgement of financial
donations.
Financial donations by existing Samoa Government partners may make contributions to the following
account:
Company donations – existing Samoa Government partners
Bank name: ANZ (Samoa) Ltd
Bank account name: Treasury Direct Transfer Account
Account number: 1200033
Bank swift code: ANZBWSWW
Bank address: ANZ (Samoa) Ltd, Apia, Samoa
Individual donations – private individuals and businesses
2009 Samoa Tsunami Relief and Rehabilitation Account
Account number: 3826921
ANZ
NEOC Status
NEOC Contacts
The Disaster Management Office has been activated in support of the event. Contact details for the DMO
are:
Disaster Management Office
National Emergency Operation Center, Faleata Fire Station
Telephone: 27577 or 20459
Email:
dmosamoa@gmail.com
Fax: 32077
The next Situation Report will be issued on Saturday 10 October 2009.
____________________________________________
National Controller
Taule’ale’ausumai Laavasa Malua