Red Cross in Pacific supporting humanitarian needs

Media Advisory

Red Cross in Pacific supporting humanitarian needs following earthquake and tsunami in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga

30 September 2009, Pacific Region – Red Cross Societies in Samoa and Tonga and the American Red Cross in American Samoa have played a vital role in humanitarian relief efforts following an early morning 8.3 magnitude earthquake and its resulting tsunami. They are being supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the New Zealand Red Cross and other partners in the region.

The Samoa Red Cross responded immediately, with 135 of its trained volunteers providing early warnings to those in coastal settlements to stay clear of beaches, supporting evacuation efforts in and around Apia, and opening five temporary shelter sites, estimating that a total of 60 villages and between 10,000 and 15,000 people have been impacted by this emergency.

Volunteers are currently distributing clean water, first aid supplies, tarpaulins and other relief to impacted individuals and families. The National Society works closely with government through its national disaster coordinating group.

In Tonga, reports indicate that the Niuas Islands and several villages were flooded, with at least nine families directly impacted. The Tonga Red Cross has mobilized its volunteers to provide needed assistance and conduct further assessments.

The Pacific Regional Office of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is supporting affected National Societies and discussions regarding the provision of emergency financial assistance are currently underway. The New Zealand Red Cross has deployed disaster response personnel to Samoa and emergency relief supplies will be mobilized on Thursday.

ENDS

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