AFP – This photo taken on September 29, after an 8.0-magnitude quake and tsunami struck in the early morning …
Posted on 09/30/2009 3:20:19 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
AFP – This photo taken on September 29, after an 8.0-magnitude quake and tsunami struck in the early morning …
APIA (AFP) – Dozens of aftershocks rocked the South Pacific Wednesday, 24 hours after a huge earthquake churned up towering tsunamis that killed at least 113 people when they wiped out villages and flattened tourist resorts.
Huge waves that witnesses and officials said measured between three and 7.5 metres high pounded the remote Pacific islands of Samoa and Western Samoa after an 8.0-magnitude undersea quake struck early Tuesday.
While the quake toppled buildings and sent thousands fleeing to high ground as the tsunami approached, many others were hit by the walls of water that swept people and cars out to sea and obliterated coastal settlements.
US President Barack Obama called the incident in the outlying US territory of American Samoa a "major disaster" and vowed "aggressive" action to help survivors.
"I am closely monitoring these tragic events, and have declared a major disaster for American Samoa, which will provide the tools necessary for a full, swift and aggressive response," he said. Country profile: Samoa
"My deepest sympathies are with the families who lost loved ones and many people who have been affected by the earthquake and the tsunami," Obama added.
Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said he was "shocked beyond belief."
"So much has gone. So many people are gone," he told the Australian news agency AAP. "I'm so shocked, so saddened by all the loss."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Amateur Footage from American Samoa Reveals Widespread Destruction (UNCUT VIDEO)
fyi
I am sadden for my families and friends that have lost their lifes and everything they had. We might be poor people but happy with life. Too bad Samoa does not have a sugar daddy like Obama but then again they might become too depended on the government. American Samoa will surely get some help from Uncle Sam.
FEMA crew heads from Bay Area to Samoa (San Francisco Bay Area)
No equipment is going with them however...the video I linked above...indicates the people are already at work and have some equipment.
thanks
Last help these poor people will get from our government.
Thx for the plug...
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