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http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=130794

 

Aftershock a reminder of the terror 

Sunday, October 04, 2009 

SAMOAN families are still living in fear as aftershocks continue to shake the ground. 

"A large number of people continue to take refuge sleeping in tents and temporary 
shelters on higher ground," said an official of the University of Samoa. 

"I can't really explain it, but I guess the tectonic plates are shifting back in position and 
we can still feel the ground shake around Upolu." 

The official said families that fled their homes on the foreshore live in fear of another 
tsunami because of the aftershocks. 

"It's very hot during the day but it gets really cold at night on higher ground. 

"I'm one of the lucky ones because my home is located on high ground away from 
Aleipata and Falealili districts, which were the two areas worse affected," the official 
added. 

Samoa's operations commander Senior Inspector Seaga Willie Lafaele said aftershocks 
were a normal occurrence after an earthquake and people were not taking any risks. 

"I cannot disclose anything but to say search and rescue operations are continuing," he 
said. 

"We've set up base at Lolomanu Village on Upolu Island - it's one of the worse places 
affected," Inspector Lafaele added