2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami

Natural disaster in the southern Pacific Ocean October 2026 May 2025 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami yes 2009 9 29 06:48:10 2009-09-29 17:48:10 15162203 usp000h1ys Oceania 8.1 w y 15 km on 15.53 S 171.87 W inline,title First subevent normal; second and third subevent megathrust Samoa American Samoa Tonga Cook Islands Fiji French Polynesia New Zealand VI 22 m ft at least 189 fatalitieshttp://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/search-continues-death-toll-rises-3045675 tvnz.co.nz-Search continues as death rises 2 October 2009 tvnz.co.nz 2 October 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091006061332/http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/search-continues-death-toll-rises-3045675 6 October 2009 live hundreds injuredSamoa tsunami toll may exceed 100, hundreds injured https://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSSYD51634720090930 Perry Michael Reuters 29 September 2009 29 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091003131240/https://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSSYD51634720090930 3 October 2009 live The 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami took place on 29 September 2009 in the southern Pacific Ocean adjacent to the Tonga–Kermadec subduction zone. The submarine earthquake occurred in an extensional environment and had a moment magnitude of 8.1 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VI (Strong). It was the largest earthquake of 2009. The earthquake initiated with a normal-faulting event with a magnitude of 8.1. Within two minutes of the earthquake rupture, two large magnitude 7.8 earthquakes occurred on the subduction zone interface. The two magnitude 7.8 earthquakes had a combined magnitude equivalent to 8.0.Thorne Lay Charles J. Ammon Hiroo Kanamori Luis Rivera Keith D. Koper Alexander R. Hutko The 2009 Samoa–Tonga great earthquake triggered doublet Nature 2010 466 7309 964–968 10.1038/nature09214 20725038 2010Natur.466..964L 205221482 https://www.nature.com/articles/nature09214 subscription The event can be considered a doublet earthquake. Normal and thrust faulting triggered a tsunami which caused substantial damage and loss of life in Samoa, American Samoa, and Tonga. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center recorded a 3 in on rise in sea levels near the epicenter, and New Zealand scientists determined that the waves measured 14 m at their highest on the Samoan coast.Michael Field Pacific tsunami four storeys high http://www.stuff.co.nz/science/3128083/Pacific-tsunami-four-storeys-high Stuff New Zealand 4 December 2009 5 December 2009 The quake occurred on the outer rise of the Kermadec-Tonga subduction zone. This is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates in the Earth's lithosphere meet and earthquakes and volcanic activity are common. Countries affected by the tsunami, in the areas that were hit are American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga (Niuatoputapu) where more than 189 people were killed, especially children, most of them in Samoa.Search for bodies continue, death toll rises in South Pacific | NATIONAL News http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/search-continues-death-toll-rises-3045675 https://web.archive.org/web/20091006061332/http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/search-continues-death-toll-rises-3045675 6 October 2009 live 2 October 2009 Large waves with no major damage were reported on the coasts of Fiji, the northern coast of New Zealandhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8282224.stm Pacific tsunamis: Countries hit 29 September 2009 BBC News 30 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091003121339/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8282224.stm 3 October 2009 live and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. People took precautions in the low-lying atolls of Tokelau and moved to higher ground. Niue was reported as reasonably safe because it is high. There were no reports of high waves from Vanuatu, Kiribati, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands.http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/2917659/Waves-hit-Tonga-damage-but-no-casualties Waves hit Tonga, damage but no casualties 30 September 2009 Stuff New Zealand 10 September 2011 American Samoa thumb|left|Crews working near the damage from the tsunami in American Samoa The Los Angeles Times, quoting a source at the National Park of American Samoa, reported that "four tsunami waves, 15 to 20 ft (4.6 to 6 m) high", and "reaching up to a mile (1.6 km) inland" hit American Samoa shortly after the earthquake.Fili Sagapolutele Tsunami toll expected to rise in Samoan islands Associated Press Los Angeles Times 2 October 2009 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-sep-30-na-samoa-quake30-story.html The water flowed inland about 100 yd (100 m) before receding, leaving some cars stuck in the mud. Damage to the National Park's natural reserves and the destruction of its visitor center and main offices have been reported, while only 20% of the park's 40 to 50 employees and volunteers had been found. A beach village was reported to have been "wiped out", killing at least 14 people after the earthquake had sent residents fleeing for higher ground. Large numbers of American Samoans were said to have been left injured or homeless.Samoa disaster toll soars http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=49414 Associated Press Radio New Zealand International 30 September 2009 29 September 2009 Confirmed death tolls rose to 22 people, with many people still missing in the villages of Leone and Pago Pago. A Radio New Zealand International correspondent reported that the center of Pago Pago, the largest city in American Samoa, had sustained heavy damage in the tsunami, with its main street flooded, cars overturned, and shoreline businesses damaged. He "also witnessed looting in one of the stores". American Samoa Governor Togiola Tulafono was in Honolulu, Hawaii, for an ocean policy conference at the time of the tsunami struck.More than 110 dead in tsunami-hit Samoa http://www.stuff.co.nz/vl-push/world/2916140/More-than-110-dead-in-tsunami-hit-Samoa Stuff 29 September 2009 3 August 2021 Tulafono was monitoring events in American Samoa, but was having difficulties reaching the territory because of communications failures. He told reporters that because of the tight knit communities and strong family bonds, "I don't think anybody is going to be spared this disaster." Tulafono departed Hawaii for American Samoa on a United States Coast Guard supply flight from Honolulu on the evening of 29 September. thumb|Security camera footage of the tsunami surging through a parking lot in Pago Pago. Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia announced that the earthquake had caused severe damage to American Samoa's electrical infrastructure.8.0 quake hits Samoa islands http://www.samoanews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=9550&edition=1254218400 Samoa News 29 September 2009 30 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091002225636/http://www.samoanews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=9550&edition=1254218400 2 October 2009 dead The main electricity generator in Satala had been damaged, which knocked out power from the central village of Faga'alu across Tutuila to the eastern village of Onenoa. The Satala electrical plant may be out of service for a month or more until repairs can be made, with the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) stating that power would be out indefinitely. A new power plant at Satala was expected to be commissioned on 25 May 2017.http://www.talanei.com/2017/04/07/commissioaing-date-for-satala-power-plant-may-25th/ Commissioaing date for Satala Power Plant May 25th Electricity was also out on the islands of Ofu-Olosega, in the Manu'a Islands Group, and a government plane has been sent to assess damage on Ofu. The water system was also damaged in the earthquake, and the supply of fresh water to eastern parts of American Samoa has been disrupted due to broken water lines. The water division of the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) announced that it will bring water in tanker trucks to affected villages. Residents were warned to conserve and boil water until safe drinking water supplies can be restored, which could take some time. U.S. President Barack Obama declared a major disaster in American Samoa, allowing federal funds to be used for rescues, life support, and public health and safety measures.http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49596 President Declares Major Disaster For Territory of American Samoa 29 September 2009 Federal Emergency Management Agency 30 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091008001532/http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49596 8 October 2009 dead Among the initial U.S. government response was a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) logistics team and staff from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Coast Guard, Federal Aviation Administration, and Department of Defense. Also, basic needs and basic commodities, including electrical generators, medical supplies, and pharmaceutical drugs were sent out, and multiple planes are being prepared for more cargo and personnel, including FEMA, HHS, and Coast Guard staff and experts from the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Red Cross.http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49616 Federal Coordinating Officer Lands in American Samoa Federal Emergency Management Agency 30 September 2009 30 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091001081931/http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49616 1 October 2009 dead The Ingraham FFG-61 arrived in American Samoa on 30 September and assisted recovery efforts with its two Seahawk helicopters.https://reliefweb.int/report/american-samoa/fact-sheet-american-samoa-tsunami-response-situational-overview-01-oct-2009 Fact sheet – American Samoa tsunami response situational overview, 01 Oct 2009 ReliefWeb 1 October 2009 11 October 2022 Samoa Residents in the city of Apia on Upolu island were evacuated to higher ground.At least seven dead after quake, tsunami hit Samoa http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10600416 The New Zealand Herald 30 September 2009 29 September 2009 Journalist Cherelle Jackson reported that the city quickly emptied in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, "All the schools, workplaces everyone has walked up – it's like a ghost town." Twenty villages on Upolu south side were reportedly destroyed, including Lepā, the home of Samoa's Prime Ministerhttps://windsorstar.com/news/Tsunami+smashes+Pacific+islands+over+feared+dead/2049879/story.html Tsunami smashes Pacific islands, over 100 feared dead 29 September 2009 windsorstar.com 30 September 2009 Baris Atayman https://web.archive.org/web/20111006123549/http://www.windsorstar.com/news/Tsunami+smashes+Pacific+islands+over+feared+dead/2049879/story.html 6 October 2011 dead Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. In Lepā, only the church and the village's welcome sign remained standing following the tsunami.Tamara McClean Searching ruins for reason to live after the tsunami http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/searching-ruins-for-reason-to-live-after-the-tsunami/story-e6freuy9-1225781822624 The Daily Telegraph Sydney 2 October 2009 5 October 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091012113345/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/searching-ruins-for-reason-to-live-after-the-tsunami/story-e6freuy9-1225781822624 12 October 2009 live The hardest hit areas in Samoa appear to be Fagaloa Bay on the east coast of Upolu, Lalomanu on the south east coast, and along the rest of the southern coast of the island, with one hospital in Apia reporting it had received 79 bodies. The village of Poutasi on the south west coast of Upolu was reported with extensive damage in a TVNZ news item, along with its neighbouring Villages of Satalo and Salani being completely wiped out.http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/tsunami-sirens-wail-again-in-samoa-3041553/video Samoa tsunami toll may exceed 100 29 September 2009 tvnz.co.nz 30 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110312013028/http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/tsunami-sirens-wail-again-in-samoa-3041553/video 12 March 2011 dead A mother at the Taufua Beach Fales in Lalomanu watched her three young children swept away by the tsunami.'All three of them gone' – mother sees children swept away http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10600520 The New Zealand Herald https://web.archive.org/web/20121021105843/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10600520 21 October 2012 live 2 October 2009 Vaimoana Tapaleao 1 October 2009 Elsewhere there were reports of landslides near Solosolo and damage to plantations near Apia.https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gcQYRcaxXR6t5UcX_WlbD_qBAmQwD9B16T6G0 Residents flee tsunami after strong quake in Samoa Associated Press Fili Sagapolutele dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091003024511/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gcQYRcaxXR6t5UcX_WlbD_qBAmQwD9B16T6G0 3 October 2009 29 June 2009 26 March 2012 A number of tourist resorts are located on Upolu's south coast. These include Coconuts Beach Resorthttp://www.coconutsbeachclubsamoa.com/ Samoa Earthquake/Tsunami – #Update 1 29 September 2009 coconutsbeachclubsamoa.com 30 September 2009 and Sinalei Reef Resort and Spahttp://www.sinalei.ws/ Talofa Lava – Welcome to Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa 29 September 2009 sinalei.ws 30 September 2009 in the village of Siumu. Both resorts published tsunami updates on their websites. The Sa'Moana Resort is in the village of Salamumu.http://www.samoa-hotels.ws/Sa_Moana_Resort__Upolu/accm_location Sa'Moana Resort, South Coast, Upolu Island 29 September 2009 samoa-hotels.ws https://web.archive.org/web/20091003000819/http://www.samoa-hotels.ws/Sa_Moana_Resort__Upolu/accm_location 3 October 2009 dead 26 March 2012 The eastern part of the island remains without power or water supplies after the earthquake.Brendan Nicholson Two Australians dead, grave fears for others as Samoan tsunami toll rises http://www.theage.com.au/world/two-australians-dead-grave-fears-for-others-as-samoan-tsunami-toll-rises-20090930-gba7.html https://archive.today/20121231062952/http://www.theage.com.au/world/two-australians-dead-grave-fears-for-others-as-samoan-tsunami-toll-rises-20090930-gba7.html dead 31 December 2012 The Age 30 September 2009 30 September 2009 Melbourne A Red Cross worker reported to Radio New Zealand that waves 10 ft 0 high had flattened beachside resorts on Upolu,Scores Die as Tsunami Hits Samoa Islands, Meriah Foley in The New York Times online edition. Published 30 September 2009. Retrieved d.d. 30 September 2009. and that residents told him the tourist zone of Lalomanu had been crushed by a wall of water about 20 – 30 ft m on high.Audio interview with Sati Young https://web.archive.org/web/20110725134302/http://static.radionz.net.nz/assets/audio_item/0004/2081056/ckpt-20090930-1708-Samoa_Tsunamis-m048.asx 25 July 2011 , Checkpoint, Radio New Zealand, 30 September 2009. Quake triggers deadly tsunamis in Pacific, Radio New Zealand, 1 October 2009. The cliffs above Lalomanu were scoured out to a height of 10 – 15 m ft on.Kirsty Johnston, Tsunami: reality worse than predicted, Taranaki Daily News, 6 October 2009. Power outages were reported, and phone lines were jammed.http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/21527/76/ Tsunami Sweeps Through Pago Pago;63 Dead 29 September 2009 kgmb9.com https://web.archive.org/web/20091004103111/http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/21527/76/ 4 October 2009 dead 26 March 2012 Samoan officials confirmed the runway at Faleolo International Airport on Upolu was safe by early afternoon (30 September 2009). Samoan Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, and his Deputy Prime Minister Misa Telefoni Retzlaff were in Auckland, New Zealand, at the time of the earthquake. Both political leaders immediately returned to Samoa. Prime Minister Malielegaoi lost two relatives in the tsunami, including the daughter of one of his nieces.Alan Ah Mu PM lost two relatives http://www.samoaobserver.ws/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13715:pm-lost&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50 Samoa Observer 1 October 2009 15 October 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120220103010/http://www.samoaobserver.ws/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13715%3Apm-lost&catid=1%3Alatest-news&Itemid=50 20 February 2012 The Prime Minister made his first address to the nation, after the tsunami, on 1 October.http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10600881 Samoa's Prime Minister in grief as nation mourns Cherelle Jackson 2 October 2009 The New Zealand Herald 10 September 2011 The Government of Samoa estimates the damage at US$147.25 million.http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/RMOI-7WHMXB?OpenDocument# Samoa: Samoa/Tonga: Tsunami OCHA Situation Report No. 5 ReliefWeb 4 October 2009 5 March 2012 On 2 October 2009, an estimated 3,000 people were homeless and seeking refuge in shelters set up around the worst-affected villages.Up to six NZers feared dead in tsunami http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10600889 The New Zealand Herald https://web.archive.org/web/20121021110321/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10600889 21 October 2012 live 2 October 2009 2 October 2009 New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully visited Apia to co-ordinate New Zealand's emergency relief effort. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key arrived in Samoa on 3 October and visited some of the most damaged areas on Upolu including the villages of Poutasi and Lalolamu.http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/john-key-arrives-in-samoa-3046015 John Key arrives in Samoa 3 October 2009 Television New Zealand 14 September 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121005185724/http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/john-key-arrives-in-samoa-3046015 5 October 2012 The Samoa government and the people of Samoa held a national funeral at Apia Park for tsunami victims on 8 October 2009 (Samoa local time).http://pacificeyewitness.org/2009/10/09/samoa-stands-still-for-national-funeral-at-apia-park/ pacificeyewitness.org pacificeyewitness.org 27 January 2012 5 March 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120314214226/http://pacificeyewitness.org/2009/10/09/samoa-stands-still-for-national-funeral-at-apia-park/ 14 March 2012 Tonga thumb|Animation of the tsunami's propagation. thumb|Niuatoputapu before the tsunami. (Vegetation is red, bare ground is pale blue-grey, clouds and breaking waves are white or cyan.) thumb|Niuatoputapu after the tsunami. The main impact in Tonga was in the northern part of the island kingdom where there were deaths, injuries and extensive damagehttp://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/2919218/Ten-killed-in-Tonga-following-tsunami Ten killed in Tonga following tsunami 30 September 2009 Stuff New Zealand 10 September 2011 on Niuatoputapu, a flat coral islandTonga Airports Limited – Airport Info > Niuatoputapu – Mata'aho Airport http://www.tongaairports.com/niuatoputapu.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090421091927/http://www.tongaairports.com/niuatoputapu.html 21 April 2009 dead 2 October 2009 500 km north of the main island Tongatapu, and reportedly closest to the epicentre of the earthquake. The death toll on the island has risen to nine.Teams arrive on Tonga's Niuatoputapu at epicentre http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat/stories/200910/s2702855.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20091005032319/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat/stories/200910/s2702855.htm 5 October 2009 live 2 October 2009 A Tongan government spokesman Alfred Soakai said 90% of homes had been destroyed as well as serious damage to the hospital.The death toll on a remote Tongan island has risen to nine. http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/27592.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121009121529/http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/27592.html 9 October 2012 live 2 October 2009 An adviser to the prime minister, Lopeti Senituli, later said the amount of damage to buildings has been downgraded to 60%.Title Unknown 2 October 2009 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/10/02/1245cd0aa6c3 https://web.archive.org/web/20091003212525/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/10/02/1245cd0aa6c3 3 October 2009 live 2 October 2009 There are three main villages on Niuatoputapu: Hihifo and Falehau, which were hit by three waves, some 6m high, and the village of Vaipoa, which received less damage.Teams reach Tongan victims – Samoa tsunami – NZ Herald News http://www.nzherald.co.nz/samoa-tsunami/news/article.cfm?c_id=1502844&objectid=10600831 The New Zealand Herald https://web.archive.org/web/20121021110401/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/samoa-tsunami/news/article.cfm?c_id=1502844&objectid=10600831 21 October 2012 live 2 October 2009 Yvonne Tahana 2 October 2009 A new school building remained standing and provided some shelter. The island is isolated with a population of around 1,000 people. Approximately 192 families were left homeless and the homes of 143 additional families were damaged in the tsunami in the villages of Hihifo, Falehau and Vaipoa.Service held in Tonga for tsunami victims http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=49502 Radio New Zealand International 5 October 2009 5 October 2009 289 families lived in residences which escaped damage in the disaster. Other reports outlined coastal damage from a 13 ft m on wave on the islands. Other media had earlier reported 10 people killed in Tonga.http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/30/2700632.htm?section=justin Tonga reports tsunami deaths 29 September 2009 ABC Australia 30 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091004192129/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/30/2700632.htm?section=justin 4 October 2009 dead Three people are missing and four sustained serious injuries.Seven confirmed dead from tsunami in Tonga http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=49421 Associated Press Radio New Zealand International 30 September 2009 30 September 2009 Earlier, a government plane sent to the island could not land due to tsunami damage at Niuatoputapu Airport, which had been forced to close. Tonga's acting Prime Minister Lord Tuita said the government is sending a second plane to Niuatoputapu, but that communication links have been damaged. The government appealed for clothing and bedding donations for residents in Niuatoputapu. Relief efforts undertaken by the Tongan government and Red Cross focused on Niuatoputapu, with support from Australia, New Zealand and France. A United Nations coordinator was scheduled to travel to Tonga to support early recovery initiatives in areas such as 'health, sanitation, water, infrastructure, psychological support, agriculture and fishing'. There were no reports of any damage to Vavaʻu island group or to the main island of Tongatapu, where the capital, Nukuʻalofa, is. French Polynesia French Polynesia escaped much of the damage inflicted against other Polynesian countries and territories by the earthquake. Concern centered on the Marquesas Islands, the northernmost archipelago in French Polynesia.Papeete measures 5 small waves during tsunami red alert http://en.tahitipresse.pf/print.cfm?presse=28105 Tahitipress 29 September 2009 30 September 2009 https://archive.today/20091003145955/http://en.tahitipresse.pf/print.cfm?presse=28105 3 October 2009 dead Unlike the other islands of French Polynesia, the Marquesas have no protective coral reefs which would absorb the impact of a potential tsunami. French High Commissioner Adolphe Colrat warned residents of the Marquesas to seek shelter at an elevation of at least 10 m on above sea level. Residents across French Polynesia were advised to avoid valleys and bays, tie up watercraft and listen to Réseau France Outre-mer (RFO) for further instruction. In the Marquesas Islands, some bays were nearly emptied of their water before a wave crashed back in and refilled the area. Boats in the region immediately left port once the warning was issued. The cargo and passenger ship Aranui 3, which had been docked in Taiohae Bay on Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas, the area most impacted by a small tsunami wave, immediately evacuated the bay for open water. Outside of the Marquesas, the threat of a tsunami largely passed without much incidence. The government had initially feared a wave of approximately 90 cm 0 on, with the ability to strike all parts of the sprawling territory. Five small tsunami waves, measuring 25 - 70 cm 0 on were recorded off the coast of Papeete, Tahiti, between 11:10 am and 12 noon local time on Tuesday. The first tsunami wave at 11:10 am measured 25 cm 0 on, while the second recorded wave was measured at 35 cm 0 on at 11:23 am The waves gradually increased in size, with the fifth, and last wave, being recorded at 70 cm 0 on tall at 12:03 pm. The Colombian Navy training ship Gloria, also left Papeete Harbor in Tahiti once the warning was issued as a precaution. Residents of the Society Islands, which include the tourist resort areas of Tahiti and Moorea, were advised to move above 5 m 0 on above sea level, for safety. High Commissioner Adolphe Colrat cancelled the tsunami red alert at 12:03 pm on Tuesday for all areas of French Polynesia except the Marquesas. The alert for the Marquesas Islands was extended 2:50 pm until the threat had passed. French Polynesian President Oscar Temaru wrote to the heads of American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga offering support following the tsunami,French Polynesia will help islands hit by tsunami http://en.tahitipresse.pf/print.cfm?presse=28108 https://archive.today/20091008154406/http://en.tahitipresse.pf/print.cfm?presse=28108 dead 8 October 2009 Tahitipress 30 September 2009 5 October 2009 "On behalf of the people and the government of French Polynesia, I would like to convey our most sincere expression of condolence and solidarity in the wake of the Tsunami that just hit your people...We have, within the FRANZ framework decided to send both human and material help. 1 doctor, 2 nurses and one logistics expert, all members of our emergency medical staff will carry a total of 600 kg [sic] of medical material that will be dispatched locally by the FRANZ authorities." FRANZ stands for France, Australia and New Zealand, three large countries who traditionally provide aid in Oceania following natural disasters. The Guardian reported 189 deaths; 149 in Samoa, 31 American Samoa, 9 Tonga (2 October 2009).https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/oct/02/surfer-rode-samoa-tsunami-waves Surfer survived Samoa tsunami by riding out the waves Toni O'Loughlin The Guardian London 2 October 2009 3 October 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091006024129/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/02/surfer-rode-samoa-tsunami-waves 6 October 2009 live Tsunami memorial Following the 1st anniversary of February 2011 earthquake memorial in Christchurch, a memorial dedicated to the tsunami victims was erected in the village of Leone, American Samoa on 25 February 2012. Leone, a small village on a bay was, particularly hard-hit. The monument is called the Healing Garden.American Samoa remembers 2009 tsunami http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/255588/american-samoa-remembers-2009-tsunami Radio New Zealand 26 September 2014 5 January 2015 International aid Governments thumb|FEMA generators being unloaded. thumb|A fire truck for the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority. New Zealand dispatched RNZAF P-3 Orions to assess the damage and search for bodies. An RNZAF C-130 Hercules with medical staff and supplies, makeshift morgues, stretchers, tents and food was sent on the 30th. A further 7 RNZAF and 2 Royal Australian Air Force Hercules flights were made, and a RAAF C-17 Globemaster also provided airlift support to ferry relief supplies. These were distributed within the islands by RNZAF Bell UH-1H helicopters.http://www.defence.gov.au/DefenceBlog/2009/0928_1004.htm#samoanearthquake ADF responds to Samoan earthquake 1 October 2009 1 October 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091005075913/http://www.defence.gov.au/DefenceBlog/2009/0928_1004.htm 5 October 2009 live Air New Zealand arranged for larger Boeing 777 aircraft to carry in relief workers and evacuate tourists to Auckland, and fly the Samoan Prime Minister back to his country. The New Zealand helicopter carrying ship HMNZS Canterbury was sent to Samoa (also offloading aid and personnel in Tonga).http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10600414 Latest updates: Tsunami disaster 29 September 2009 The New Zealand Herald 30 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20121021110050/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10600414 21 October 2012 live Field Michael http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/2919517/Samoa-tsunami-urgent-crisis-in-the-making PM John Key to view Samoan damage 7 October 2009 Stuff New Zealand 5 March 2012PM John Key to view Samoan damage | Stuff.co.nz http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/2919517/Death-toll-and-infrastructure-bill-climb-after-Samoa-tsunami https://web.archive.org/web/20091004081148/http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/2919517/Death-toll-and-infrastructure-bill-climb-after-Samoa-tsunami 4 October 2009 live 2 October 2009 The New Zealand government also pledged over NZ$12 million for relief efforts.Xinhua, [New Zealand to provide 2.9 mln USD extra aid to Samoa New Zealand to provide 2.9 mln USD extra aid to Samoa], ReliefNet, 6 November 2009. The United States sent the US Navy frigate USS Ingraham, two US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 154th Wing, and 90 members of the Hawaii National Guard to American Samoa to assist in the relief efforts there.http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/09/guard_samoa_093009w/ Hawaii Guard, Navy bound for American Samoa Navy Times 1 October 2009 1 October 2009 https://archive.today/20120905104723/http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/09/guard_samoa_093009w/ 5 September 2012 live The US Army Corps of Engineers, Army Geospatial Center, prepared an emergency webpage for geological, hydrological and trafficability information for relief engineering and humanitarian aid. Australia sent teams of paramedics, doctors, nurses and search and rescue specialists with essential supplies like tents and medicine.Tsunami toll could have been worse: Samoan PM ABC News Australia http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/02/2702623.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20091004011535/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/02/2702623.htm 4 October 2009 dead 2 October 2009 Other aid came from concerned individuals and groups throughout the world, namely New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Canada.http://www.samoaobserver.ws/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14671:aid-from&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50 Aid from far-off Canada Samoa Observer 26 October 2009 6 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120305030103/http://www.samoaobserver.ws/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14671:aid-from&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50 5 March 2012 dead Aid agencies The European Commission announced it was setting up a scheme for a humanitarian fund with an initial amount of €150,000. The fund was channelled to the International Red Cross through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) "to assist with primary emergency needs in Samoa depending upon the first 'on the ground' assessments."Nick Iliev http://www.sofiaecho.com/2009/09/30/792303_ec-announces-aid-for-samoan-tsunami-victims EC announces aid for Samoan tsunami victims – Foreign The Sofia Echo 30 September 2009 5 March 2012 Oxfam International said it was ready to respond to the disaster with staff and supplies on standby. Oxfam's New Zealand branch launched a fund for donations.http://www.oxfam.org.au/media/releases/emergencies?p=2997 Samoa Tsunami: Oxfam ready to respond 29 September 2009 oxfam.org.au 30 September 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091009192913/http://www.oxfam.org.au/media/releases/emergencies?p=2997 9 October 2009 Samoa and American Samoa have local Red Cross offices. New Zealand Red Cross humanitarian aid workers were also on stand-by to travel to Samoa, and had started a fund for donations.http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0909/S00356.htm NZ Red Cross Aid Worker And Equipment to Samoa 29 September 2009 scoop.co.nz 30 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091001230414/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0909/S00356.htm 1 October 2009 live The Red Cross built 76 ten-foot by twenty foot single room homes and 23 twenty foot by twenty foot multi room homes in Nuiatoputapu to replace homes destroyed there by the tsunami. Aid funds were also organised by the Rotary Club of NZ and ANZ Bank. The United States said federal aid would be made available to combat the devastation. Craig Fugate, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said FEMA sent an incident management assistance team and a planning and response team "to provide support and on the ground assessment" in along with assistance from the US Coast Guard.https://reliefweb.int/report/american-samoa/statement-american-samoa-fema-administrator-craig-fugate Statement on American Samoa from FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate ReliefWeb 30 September 2009 3 August 2021 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized humanitarian aid from members of the church in the USA, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga to be delivered to those in need. On Tonga's main island of Tongatapu, 12 LDS stake presidents asked church members on the radio to donate food, clothing, cooking equipment, pillows, blankets and other necessities, and LDS church buildings in American Samoa housed the displaced victims of the disaster.http://archive.deseretnews.com/article/705334102/LDS-Church-continues-relief-efforts.html https://archive.today/20120707092634/http://archive.deseretnews.com/article/705334102/LDS-Church-continues-relief-efforts.html dead 7 July 2012 LDS Church continues Samoan relief efforts Deseret News 2 October 2009 5 March 2012 The Next of Kin Registry (NOKR) was a vital resource used for family reunification post the tsunami, according to the Deputy Director of the Territorial Emergency Management Coordinating Office (TEMCO).http://www.samoanews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=9571&edition=1254304800 National Next of Kin Registry (NOKR) offers assistance SamoaNews.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110719094745/http://samoanews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=9571&edition=1254304800 19 July 2011 30 September 2009 26 March 2012 ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) deployed a coordinator on the ground in Samoa to provide emergency management support to the response efforts. Mr Eager has taken initial aid with him, and by Friday 2 October had visited the devastated areas on the south coast of Upolu. He is coordinating ADRA's response with the Samoan Disaster Management Council and other responding agencies to compile findings and plan coordinated relief.http://www.adra.org.nz/-2/samoa-disaster-adra-visits-villages-meets-survivors/ ADRA NZ » Blog Archive » Samoa Disaster: ADRA Visits Villages, Meets Survivors Adra.org.nz 3 October 2009 5 March 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100525004814/http://www.adra.org.nz/-2/samoa-disaster-adra-visits-villages-meets-survivors/ 25 May 2010 http://www.adra.org.au/newsroom/news/ADRA_Responds_to_Disasters_in_Pacific.htm ADRA Responds to Disasters in Pacific Adra.org.au 2 October 2009 5 March 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120224113517/http://www.adra.org.au/newsroom/news/ADRA_Responds_to_Disasters_in_Pacific.htm 24 February 2012 ADRA launched a Pacific Disaster Appeal in both Australia and New Zealand. Emergency relief funds for donations The New Zealand Red Cross appeal raised donations amounting to almost NZ$3.5 million.Samoa appeal closes topping $3.5 million http://www.redcross.org.nz/cms_display.php?sn=45&st=1&pg=7081 New Zealand Red Cross 14 January 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100125085028/http://www.redcross.org.nz/cms_display.php?sn=45&st=1&pg=7081 25 January 2010 Oxfam New Zealand set up a rapid response emergency fund at their website.http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2009/09/oxfam-sets-up-rapid-response-emergency-fund-for-samoa/ Oxfam sets up rapid response emergency fund for Samoa 29 September 2009 pacific.scoop.co.nz 30 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20100523060913/http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2009/09/oxfam-sets-up-rapid-response-emergency-fund-for-samoa/ 23 May 2010 live UNICEF (NZ) ADRA Australia has set up a Pacific Disasters Appeal donation website,https://adra.worldsecuresystems.com/support/Pacific_Disasters_Appeal.htm Pacific Disasters Appeal Adra.worldsecuresystems.com 5 March 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120227160443/https://adra.worldsecuresystems.com/support/Pacific_Disasters_Appeal.htm 27 February 2012 and hotline (1800 242 372). ADRA New Zealand has a donation websitehttp://www.adra.org.nz/donation-options/donate-now/ ADRA NZ » One off Donation Adra.org.nz 5 March 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120224113552/http://www.adra.org.nz/donation-options/donate-now/ 24 February 2012 and call centre (0800 4 999 111). Tsunami warnings thumb|250px|right|Tsunami travel times from epicentre (in hrs) A tsunami warning was initially issued for American Samoa, Samoa, Niue, Wallis and Futuna, Tokelau, the Cook Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Kermadec Islands, Fiji, Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Palmyra Island, Vanuatu, Nauru, Marshall Islands, and Solomon Islands.Tsunami Claims Lives in Samoa, Warning Called Off for Most Countries in Region http://solomontimes.com/news.aspx?nwID=4505 Solomon Times Online 30 September 2009 29 September 2009 Most of the warnings were called off once it was clear that the tsunami threat had passed. Officials in the Cook Islands, which hosted the 2009 Pacific Mini Games, noted that the tsunami passed without any damage to the country. A tsunami warning remained in effect for the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia, as five main waves were expected to strike that archipelago. Warnings also remained in Tuvalu, one of the lowest lying countries in the world. Local radio stations in Tonga broadcast warnings that a tsunami was possible and that people should move away from coastal villages. A tsunami watch was issued for islands farther from the epicenter, including Hawaii and Papua New Guinea, except for California, USA.http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/pacific/2009/pacific.2009.09.29.180334.txt TSUNAMI BULLETIN NUMBER 001 – PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER/NOAA/NWS – ISSUED AT 1804Z SEP 29, 2009 29 September 2009 prh.noaa.gov 30 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091002221710/http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/pacific/2009/pacific.2009.09.29.180334.txt 2 October 2009 live Officials were determining whether the tsunami could reach Hawaii, the center said. It was possible that a strongly decreased wave could reach Hawaii.http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/09/29/samoa.earthquake/index.html Quake, tsunami near American Samoa kills at least 22 29 September 2009 CNN 30 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091002134614/http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/09/29/samoa.earthquake/index.html 2 October 2009 live A tsunami advisory was issued for coastal California and the San Francisco Bay Area beginning at 9:00 pm local time as a precaution.Victoria Colliver Tsunami advisory issued for Bay Area http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/29/BAFJ19UMF8.DTL&tsp=1 San Francisco Chronicle 29 September 2009 29 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091002224648/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F09%2F29%2FBAFJ19UMF8.DTL&tsp=1 2 October 2009 dead http://www.latimes.com/news/la-mew-tsunami-tide30-2009sep30,0,7804514.story Highest tides expected near Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo as tsunami advisory prompts L.A. beach closures Blankenship, Andrew Esquivel, Paloma Los Angeles Times 29 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091005021705/http://www.latimes.com/news/la-mew-tsunami-tide30-2009sep30%2C0%2C7804514.story 5 October 2009 dead 26 March 2012 Aftershocks There were more than 40 total aftershocks with a magnitude greater than 5.0 in the 48 hours after the mainshock.https://earthquakes.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Maps/region/S_Pacific_eqs.php Earthquake List for Map of S Pacific Region 29 September 2009 United States Geological Survey 30 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091004012842/http://earthquakes.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Maps/region/S_Pacific_eqs.php 4 October 2009 dead https://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/quakes_big.php Earthquake List for Map of S Pacific Region 29 September 2009 United States Geological Survey 30 September 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091007211208/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/quakes_big.php 7 October 2009 See also Oceania Earth sciences List of earthquakes in 2009 List of earthquakes in Samoa List of tsunamis 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption and tsunami 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami References ISC-GEM Global Instrumental Earthquake Catalogue (1900–2009) http://www.isc.ac.uk/iscgem/index.php ISC 2015 International Seismological Centre Version 2.0 M8.1 – Samoa Islands region https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usp000h1ys#general_summary United States Geological Survey External links Deadly tsunami strikes in Pacific – BBC News South Pacific: Tsunami – Sep 2009 – ReliefWeb A family devastated by the tsunami – full interview – 3 News Tsunami stories of luck and sorrow at airport – 3 News 2009 Samoa earthquake – Fotopedia NZ Samoans head home to loved ones https://web.archive.org/web/20230404114437/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/national-news/nz-samoans-head-home-loved-ones-3042027/video 4 April 2023 – One News Tsunami in Samoa Islands – Disasters Charter Tsunami Animation: Samoan Islands, 29 September 2009 – Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Moment the tsunami hit a parking lot in American Samoa 15162203 ts-2009-000209-asm collapsed Earthquake Earthquake Samoa earthquake Samoa Earthquake, 2009 Samoa Earthquake, 2009 Samoa Category:Earthquakes in insular areas of the United States Category:Natural disasters in American Samoa Category:Natural disasters in Samoa Category:Earthquakes in Tonga Category:2009 tsunamis Category:Earthquakes in Oceania Category:Tsunamis in American Samoa Category:Tsunamis in Samoa Category:Tsunamis in the United States Category:Tutuila Category:Articles containing video clips Category:September 2009 in Oceania Category:2009 in Oceania Category:2009 disasters in Oceania Category:Doublet earthquakes Category:Tsunamis in Tonga