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Operation Eastern Star handout "School Kits" to Fagaitua High School student
On Friday, November 6th 2009 Operation Eastern Star made its first 'School Kits' Drop to Fagaitua High School students who were affected by the recent tsunami. The kits included: bag/tote, folders, notebooks, pencils/pens. (see attached photos) Alumni along with Fagaitua HS staff identified approximately 220 students as affected. The operation prepared 250 kits to be given out to students residing in villages beginning from Pago Pago all the way down east to Alao and Tula. The donors for this drop were:
Mr. Tauapa'i Laupola- Fagaitua Alumni Association President made the presentation on behalf of Operation Eastern Star. Mr. Elvis Liufau, Vice Principal of Fagaitua High School accepted the 'school kits' donations. After the short presentation, the kits were distributed to the affected students.
Operation Eastern Star has served relief supplies to over 100 families total from the villages of Masefau, Tula and Alofau. They hope to also reach the remaining targeted villages of their drive before the end of the month. In addition, Operation Eastern Star aims to give school kits to students that attend elementary schools located on the eastern district.
Operation Eastern Eastern Star consists of Fagaitua Alumni & Friends along with Fagaitua High School Faculty, Staff and Student Body. The main purpose of the drive is to give relief to students, families and friends on the eastern district who to this day are in need of basic relief supplies/school supplies. If you are interested and would like to help by making a donation, please email bethanytoelupe@yahoo.com or contact the following individuals:
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Mr. Tauapa'i Laupola-Fagaitua Alumni Association President @ 731-5098
Suaese Pooch Ta'ase-Fagaitua Alumni Assoc Vice President @ 258-1471
Bethany Malae Toelupe-Fagaitua Alumni Assoc Secretary @ 258-5660
Fau Faga'ava-Fagaitua Alumni Assoc Treasurer @ 252-2852
You can make a donation directly at Fagaitua High School Campus which serves as the main drop off site for donations and ask for Fau. Or you can visit us online @ http://www.95boyz.com/operationeasternstar for more information. Thank you!
Samoa Congregation of Washington, DC
Fort Myer, Virginia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2009
Samoan Community of Washington, DC Metropolitan area memorializes and offers assistance to victims of tsunami
Washington, DC - On September 29, 2009, the Samoa Islands was struck by, not one but three Tsunami waves of up to 15ft, wreaking havoc and devastation on the coastal communities and villages, and leaving behind heavy casualties and damage to properties. Where was God?
Rev. Dr. Tapaautasi Erika Puni pondered this hypothetical question last Sunday in a Memorial Service conducted at the Samoan Congregation of Washington, DC in Fort Myer, Virginia to remember the victims, families and villages ravaged by the tragic Tsunami of September 29. Juxtaposing the Tsunami tragedy with the biblical tale of Job, the message was compelling and intense: God reigns supreme. He gives and He takes away. He is to be praised no matter the consequences. Moreover, although tragic in nature, this is a great opportunity to reflect on the lack of permanence in the things that we so long for and pursue in life.
The Memorial Service was well attended by the Samoan Community in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Attending also were several members of organizations including the American Samoa Society and the National Conference of State Societies, as well as representatives from Fiji, Guam, and Ghana.
Most notably in attendance was the Honorable Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, who gave a message of encouragement and support for the Samoan community and the people of the Samoa Islands. During his remarks, the good Senator acknowledged his close working relations with Congressman Faleomavaega, a longstanding member of the Samoan Congregation of Washington DC, and pledged to work together with him to assess what can be done to help the affected communities rebuild. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Senator Akaka told the crowd that after he received the sad news about the tsunami in American Samoa, he immediately called Secretary Shinseki of the Veterans' Affairs to alert him about the disaster and suggested to do all he could to assist the Veterans in American Samoa.
The Memorial Service on October 18, 2009, also kick-off a month-long campaign by the Samoan Congregation of Washington DC to assist in the local efforts to provide assistance and aid to the families and communities affected by the Tsunami.
According to Rev. Dr. Puni, "this is a small church community of all faiths, affiliated with the United States Army Chaplaincy at Fort Myer, Virginia. Under strict supervision of the U.S. Army Chaplaincy at Fort Myer, the Samoan Congregation of Washington DC has resolved that the church offerings on October 18, 2009 and November 15, 2009, be donated to assist those that were affected by the Tsunami tragedy in Samoa. Similar church offerings, scheduled for November 1, and November 29, will go to those affected in American Samoa."
Arrangements have been made with the US Army Chaplaincy at Fort Myer, which collects the church offerings and donations, to immediately transmit the funds directly to the local Red Cross chapters in both American Samoa and the Independent State of Samoa for disbursement.
The Samoan Congregation of Washington, DC encourages anyone who wishes to make a contribution to the Tsunami Relief efforts to email us at ekalesia_samoa_dc@yahoo.com.
In these trying times, the Samoan Congregation of Washington, DC reaches out to families and villages affected by the Tsunami of September 29. In the midst of this tragic event, let us be comforted by the assurance and knowledge that God is with us at all times.
CONGRESSIONAL ADVISORY #9
FEMA CONTINUES RESPONSE EFFORTS IN AMERICAN SAMOA
October 5, 2009
The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that cleanup and recovery efforts in American Samoa are making significant progress. At the same time, FEMA and other federal partners remain actively involved, bringing food, shelter, medical supplies and other assistance to meet the immediate needs of residents affected by last week's earthquake and tsunami.
"We continue to work with Governor Tulafono to support the priorities he has identified as the response in American Samoa progresses," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "Through the Federal Coordinating Officer, Kenneth Tingman, we are working closely with local leadership as well as our federal partners and non-profits, to meet the needs of survivors and begin the recovery."
FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth Tingman and American Samoan Governor Togiola Tulafono have already flown over the affected areas to view the damage and to identify any additional areas of immediate need in parts of American Samoa impacted by Tuesday's tsunami.
"When we arrived last week, our initial efforts were to ensure that the Governor and the people of American Samoa had all the life saving materials they needed. We are now focusing our efforts, under the direction of the Governor, to support their life supporting needs, as they continue to respond and recover," said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth Tingman. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals and families that have been impacted by this event, and we will continue working as a team with our territory and federal partners to respond to Tuesday's tsunami."
The information below represents the progress of resources and supplies into the island territory in the aftermath of the tsunami:
Federal responders from FEMA, American Red Cross, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies are on the ground in American Samoa . The main priorities of the disaster operations remain focused on restoration of commercial power in the eastern district, and repairs and restoration of the region's infrastructure. Roughly 65,000 cubic yards of debris has already been identified for removal.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG), National Guard, and United States Navy have provided critical transport of the life-saving and life-sustaining supplies and equipment to meet the immediate needs of the survivors, including more than 26,000 meals, 14,000 liters of water, 1,800 blankets, 800 tents, more than 800 cots, and nine pallets of medical supplies in support of the territory's mass care operations. More than 20 generators have already been deployed to American Samoa, with several already supplying power to critical infrastructure. More generators are on their way, which will support communities and critical facilities.
FEMA and its federal partners are supporting the local government, which is distributing more than 3,500 meals a day. As FEMA and our federal partners continue to support the territory with a priority focus on life-safety activities, power restoration, and medical and shelter support, the agency is also preparing for recovery efforts. Recovery specialists, including Individual Assistance specialists and a housing planning team are being deployed.
FEMA and our federal partner, the General Services Administration, are in the process of locating and securing a facility where a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be established. DRCs will connect affected residents with recovery specialists from federal, state and local agencies for personal, one-on-one assistance for those affected by the tsunami.
FEMA continues to coordinate with our federal partners, providing the following support to the region. Additional information on response and recovery efforts can be found below:
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): National Guard, and United States Navy have completed critical transport of the life-saving and life-sustaining supplies and equipment to meet the immediate needs of the survivors, including meals, water, blankets, tents, cots, and medical supplies.
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD): The Department of Defense has completed 11 missions between Hawaii and American Samoa , transporting federal personnel, vehicles, communications equipment, cots, blankets and generators. The DOD also assisted with survey flights, hazmat and damage assessments.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): USACE reports the water system on American Samoa is functioning. USACE is coordinating the installation and use of more than 20 generators at critical, prioritized life-saving and life-sustaining public facilities like shelters, sewer and water treatment plants or emergency management and response facilities.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): The Department of Energy is part of team working with FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers focused on the restoration, generation, transmission and distribution of electric power. The team is working with local authorities to prioritize areas that remain without power, particularly in the eastern district.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) : HHS has approximately 50 medical personnel deployed to American Samoa, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, public health, and mental health professionals to support public health and medical needs. HHS also provided pharmaceutical and medical supplies.
American Red Cross (ARC): The American Red Cross has more than 70 volunteers on the ground in American Samoa providing food and supplies in affected areas. Using a warehouse on American Samoa stocked with cots, flashlights, cooking supplies and clean-up supplies, trained volunteers are bringing additional supplies including recovery kits that are awaiting transport to American Samoa.
Families that have been in contact with loved ones on American Samoa can share information about their well-being by registering them with Safe and Well at www.redcross.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). For photos and more information about American Red Cross relief efforts in American Samoa visit http://newsroom.redcross.org
Non-governmental organizations, including the American Red Cross are also providing assistance to the impacted region. Financial contributions to disaster relief organizations in the form of cash donations will allow voluntary organizations to fund response and recovery efforts quickly and provide the needed goods and services to disaster survivors. Your financial support will help the American Red Cross respond quickly to disasters like the Pacific Islands tsunami in American Samoa and Samoa . You can donate by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or (1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or visiting www.redcross.org, and donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
To see a video message from the Federal Coordinating Officer on recovery efforts to date, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr6kpEryBu4&feature=channel_page
For B-roll of generators arriving on American Samoa please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiYUB2qzxAY&feature=channel_page
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Jason A. Nelson
Chief, Disaster Response Branch
Legislative Affairs Division
Office of External Affairs, DHS/FEMA
500 C Street, SW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20472
P: 202-646-4500
CONGRESSIONAL ADVISORY #8
FEMA CONTINUES RESPONSE AND RECOVERY EFFORTS IN THE PACIFIC
October 5, 2009
The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is into its seventh day of response and federal support to American Samoa.
FEMA and federal teams, through the Federal Coordinating Officer, continue to work closely with American Samoan Governor Togiola Tulafono and Delegate Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, to provide response in areas of American Samoa impacted by Tuesday's tsunami.
"In addition to our efforts in support of the Governor of American Samoa, we recognize the significant impact of current disasters in other Pacific regions, including Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "We continue to work closely with the Governor to meet his priorities as additional federal support flows into American Samoa. While FEMA and our federal partners continue to provide resources, we know that many Americans want to help as well, we encourage them to do so by visiting one of our many partner organizations, such as the American Red Cross."
Monetary donations are the best choice for helping those affected. Donations will allow voluntary agencies to purchase essential items that are most needed by disaster survivors � including those in American Samoa, Georgia residents impacted by recent flooding, as well as individuals and communities coping with response and recovery efforts outside of the United States and its territories. Information for volunteer and donation efforts can be found at: www.fema.gov/donations or www.redcross.org.
The information below represents the progress of resources and supplies into the island territory in the aftermath of the tsunami.
A team of more than 340 responders from FEMA, American Red Cross, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies are on the ground in American Samoa. These personnel comprise the immediate response force, including Incident Management Assessment Teams (IMAT), Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT), and Public Health Assistance Teams. Other personnel are assisting with community efforts.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG), National Guard, and United States Navy have provided critical transport of the life-saving and life-sustaining supplies and equipment to meet the immediate needs of the survivors, including more than 26,000 meals, 14,000 liters of water, 1,800 blankets, 800 tents, more than 800 cots, and nine pallets of medical supplies in support of the territory's mass care operations. Several generators have already been deployed, and are supplying power to critical infrastructure. More generators are on there way, which will provide additional support to communities and key facilities.
FEMA and its federal partners are supporting the local government, which is distributing more than 3,500 meals a day. As FEMA and our federal partners continue to support the territory with a priority focus on life-safety activities, power restoration, and medical and shelter support, the agency is also preparing for recovery efforts. Recovery specialists, including Individual Assistance specialists and a housing planning team are being deployed.
In accordance with the governor's priority recovery efforts, debris removal planning is also underway and recovery specialists are working with local officials to assess immediate needs. FEMA is urging residents who are returning to their homes to be aware of potential hazards and advises residents to continue to follow guidance of local officials in debris removal. Although environmental experts have found no major spills or hazardous materials releases, assessment teams will continue to conduct inspections in the area, while collecting hazardous household debris.
FEMA and our federal partner, the General Services Administration, are in the process of locating and securing a facility where a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be established. DRCs will connect affected residents with recovery specialists from federal, state and local agencies for personal, one-on-one assistance for those affected by the tsunami.
Additionally, to facilitate the reunification of families separated due to the tsunami, the Red Cross has activated their "Safe and Well" program, which assists families with locating missing loved ones. Families can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Website at https://disastersafe.redcross.org/ or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register their loved ones.
We will provide your offices with updates as the situation progresses.
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA's Legislative Affairs Division at (202) 646-4500 or FAX (202) 646-3600.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Jason A. Nelson
Chief, Disaster Response Branch
Legislative Affairs Division
Office of External Affairs, DHS/FEMA
500 C Street, SW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20472
P: 202-646-4500
Government of Samoa
PRESS RELEASE
TSUNAMI EVENT
The Government continues to provide primary health care, food, water and basic household items to those evacuated to established evacuation centers. Financial and in-kind assistance continues to pour in from local church organizations, business community, schools and individuals. Proceeds and goods from the radio-thon held by Samoa Quality Broadcasting and MCIT's Radio 2AP were presented to the National Disaster Council to assist with relief efforts.
The Declaration of Disaster that was issued for the last 48 hours has been replaced by a Proclamation of Emergency.
Polynesian Airlines has assisted Samoans in American Samoa through the provision of discounted airfares and has offered the use of Faleolo Airport for naval services and releasing of cargos. Exemptions have been put in place to wave normal entry requirements for goods to enable the expeditious release of assistance to government's disaster control center.
International agencies and governments (NZ, Australia and China) have also provided assistance through the provision of medical personnel and supplies, food, water and shelter, transportation and other experts. Samoa's other development partners have also relayed their planned assistance towards relief efforts and expected to arrive in the next day (Japan, United States, EU, ADB).
The revised estimate of damage to infrastructure, public and private properties is around SAT$380million.
The Government of Samoa plans to hold a national funeral service to commemorate the lives of the tsunami victims, with planned burial at its public cemetery at Tafaigata on Thursday 8th of October 2009. This has been put back from Tuesday as earlier indicated to accommodate requests from families of the deceased that reside overseas that wanted to be present to pay their respects. This service will be held under the coordination of the National Council of Churches. In the meantime a special service for the victims will be held at the Methodist Church at Matafele on Sunday 4th of October 2009.
At the time of print, 135 deaths and 310 injured have been confirmed by the Ministry of Police. 117 of deceased have been identified as Samoan nationals and are listed below in the order that they were discovered. Identification of other casualties continues with forensic team assistance as the latest discovered corpses have decomposed. Search continues for eight (8) people believed to be missing.
Due to sensitivities surrounding names of foreign visitors and their respective laws which restrict publication without prior approval of their relatives, the names of those foreigners who are victims of this disaster cannot be released.
For more information please contact Ms. Vaosa Epa on 7770633