On September 29, 2009 an 8.3-magntude earthquake, followed by 15 smaller quakes, rocked the South Pacific. The earthquakes originated approximately 120 miles southwest of American Samoa and sparked a tsunami. Around 6:50 AM, a series of 4 waves crashed into the island and sent seawater surging hundreds of yards inland. The second and third waves caused the most damage and were recorded at heights as high as twenty feet. The tsunami has affected the entire island, but has caused severe damage in several villages including Pago Pago, the territory’s capitol, Aua, Leone, Fagasa, and Amanave. The physical damage is indescribable, as many houses and family stores were washed away. But the real tragedy comes with the number of lives that were taken, as the tsunami struck when people were heading to work or walking to school. Though clean up has been speedy due to the work ethic of the Samoan people, the island will take a very long time to fully recover from the disaster.
I am living in American Samoa as a volunteer teacher, working with the WorldTeach non-profit organization based out of Harvard University's Center for International Development. During my stay in American Samoa, I have observed the challenges the students and their families face. I am sure that the affects of the tsunami will only add to the students’ struggles. At Samoana High School, where I teach, five teachers have completely lost their homes and all their possessions. The status for all the students is still unknown but many have also lost their homes and family businesses. We know of at least eleven students that have been orphaned due to this tragedy.
Your Donations
In an effort to ease the burdens of the September 29th tsunami, I have organized a disaster relief fund to directly benefit the people of American Samoa. Funds donated to the American Samoa Tsunami Relief Fund will go to the students and teachers affected at Samoana High School and will be used to provide building supplies, school supplies, clothing, toiletries, and food.
Though the island has received some immediate relief in the days following the disaster, your donations will help sustain the tsunami victims for the coming months as they work to rebuild their lives.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and secure. It is also the most efficient way to support the American Samoa relief efforts. At a time like this, each dollar will make a difference.
Please understand that your donation is nonrefundable. Should I, the volunteer running this community project, be unable to spend all of the donated money before leaving my teaching program, all remaining funds will go towards the American Samoa program’s general fund to help future volunteers.
Who Specifically Receives The Relief?
Currently the ASTRF is assessing the needs of the students and staff members of Samoana High School. A needs based list will be created, and those effected most will receive relief aid first. Needs are categorized into in 5 key areas: building materials (ex. lumber), school supplies, clothing, toiletries, and food.
Your donations allow us to form the relief packages that will be distributed directly to the effected individuals.
Project Deadlines:
ASTRF will operate for a total of 9 weeks. ASTRF is accepting donations for 6 weeks. During this time your donations will be continually collected and used to create the relief packages. The following 3 weeks will be used to complete and conclude the relief effort.
Tsunami Stories Blog
A blog has been set up to share the personal stories of the tsunami survivors. Pictures and stories will be continually added in the coming weeks. Please visit http://tsunamistories.blogspot.com/ to read the stories of the WorldTeach volunteers and American Samoan students you will be helping.
Fa’afetai (thank you) for your thoughts and generous contributions,
Jessie Weber
WorldTeach Volunteer