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http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/KHII-7XF2UR?OpenDocument&rc=5&cc=wsm

 

Samoa: Tsunami relief update, 2 Nov 2009 

Source: Samoa Red Cross Society 

Date: 02 Nov 2009 

 
The tsunami that hit the islands of Samoa and American Samoa claimed the lives of 
many Samoans. Two of those victims were citizens of Samoa staying in American 
Samoa. Samoa and American Samoa are independent nations, which requires special 
procedures for the transport of deceased persons across borders. The Samoa Red 
Cross Society worked with the Samoa Government and the American Samoa 
Government in the repatriation of these tsunami victims, to return them to Samoa and 
their families.  

The lives of Mr. Kapisi Sima of Fogatuli, Savaii and Mr. Pita Tanielu of Tuanai, 
Upolu were claimed by the tsunami that hit the island of American Samoa on the 29th 
of September 2009. A Samoa Red Cross volunteer, Tofa Apulu Veronika Matautia, in 
American Samoa was contacted by the victim's families and played a key role in 
organizing their return to Samoa.  

The situation of the body of Mr. Kapisi Sima in American Samoa was presented to the 
National Disaster Council meeting on the 13th of October. The proposed logistics for 
the return of these victims to Samoa was unanimously agreed upon at the meeting. 
Word of the second victim, Mr. Pita Tanielu, reached the Samoa Red Cross on the 
evening of the 13th. After seeking the advice of Afioga Aiono Mose Sua, CEO of 
MFAT and Tofa Taulealeausumai Laavasa, Chairman of DAC, Mr. Pita Tanielu was 
added to the repatriation plans the following day.  

The task of bringing these victims home involved a coordinated effort from a number 
of people and organizations. The Samoa government provided the funding needed for 
the transportation of the bodies. The American Red Cross met morgue fees in 
American Samoa and Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin provided the caskets 
for both victims. The Samoa Red Cross Society accepted the responsibilities of 
organizing all transport related matters to get the victims from their location in 
American Samoa to their home villages in Samoa.  

After obtaining health clearance from the Samoa Ministry of Health, arrangements 
were made with Polynesian Airlines to fly the bodies to Samoa's Faleolo airport. The 
bodies left American Samoa on Monday, the 19th of October arriving in Samoa on 
the same day. The Samoa Red Cross Society arranged for transport of the victims 
from Faleolo airport to their home villages. Funeral services were held the same day 
for both victims in their home villages.