Earthquake and Tsunamis Strike South Pacific

Earthquake and Tsunamis Strike South Pacific

by | published on Oct 10, 2014

A magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck in the South Pacific on Tuesday, Sep 29, 2009 causing significant tsunami washes which have resulted in numerous deaths and much damage. Global Ministries is sending prayers and resources in support of our partners.

A magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck in the South Pacific on Tuesday, Sep 29, 2009 causing significant tsunami washes which have resulted in numerous deaths and much damage. Global Ministries is sending prayers and resources in support of our partners.

A sub-sea earthquake appears to be the cause of a massive tsunami some 120 miles off the coast of Samoa, an island in the South Pacific, home to around 475,000 people. The 8.0-magnitude earthquake created a tsunami that eyewitnesses say was around 20 feet high, engulfing buildings around the island’s perimeter.
 
The Independent State of Samoa sustained at least 110 casualties, while at least 24 lost their lives in the adjoining U.S. territory of American Samoa. The death toll is expected to rise.
 
More casualties are confirmed on the small northern island of Niuatoputapu, in Tonga.

Rev. Samuel T. Tialavea Sr., General Secretary, Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa, a Global Ministries partner, recounted in an e-mail impact of the tsunamis:

Traffic on the one and only main road, added to the chaos and folks were frantic.  As tsunami waves hit, homes were destroyed and buildings were damaged.  Public transports were stricken and people began to flee on foot. Power outage for half of the islands, leaving thousands with out utilities for an uncertain period of time. Communication lines by telephone have been restricted, with cell phone services in many localities non-operable.  It has been a nightmare for many.  For those of you familiar with American Samoa, extreme damages to those waterfront communities have been highlighted by the graves of family members being washed out, surfacing cadavers on the road, or swept out to sea.  Villagers and volunteers have rallied to assist families in some of these places to re-bury the remains of their loved ones.

Rev. Tialavea went on to express his appreciation for the messages of support he is receiving and asks for our continued prayers.

The United Church of Christ is sending One Great Hour of Sharing emergency grants to partners throughout the region to support their initial emergency response.  As damage assessments are made and plans for relief, recovery and rehabilitation are developed, additional OGHS funds will be shared with our partners.

Rev. Saitumua Tafaoialii, pastor of the First Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in Utah (Disciples of Christ), has informed Week of Compassion that many families in his congregation are currently unable to contact their families in Samoa, as the tsunami has damaged communication infrastructure. He reports that his wife lost several family members during the storm, and many Samoans across the United States are in similar situations.  Week of Compassion remains in contact with Rev. Tafaoialii and his church, as they will be able to pass along information about needs that arise from their family and friends affected by the tsunami.

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