Situation report for American Samoa 9-30-2009 Noon EDT
Shortly before 7 a.m. yesterday morning, an earthquake with a magnitude between 8.0 and 8.3 struck 120 miles from American Samoa, a U. S. territory with a population of approximately 65,000 people. The earthquake was followed by a tsunami that produced several large waves that destroyed the park’s visitor center and offices. Employees at the park fled uphill to escape the onshore surge. Some employees were overtaken by water, but were able to run through it to the safety of high ground. All employees and park volunteers are currently accounted for and safe. At least one park employee’s residence was destroyed. Resource and facilities damage assessments are in progress. Personnel, including the Western All-Hazard Incident Management Team, are en route to provide assistance. FEMA is managing the overall response to this event.
Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the earthquake and tsunami in American Samoa and the region. 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. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is in close and constant contact with emergency responders, and the U.S. Coast Guard is fully supporting the deployment of resources to those areas in need of immediate assistance. We also stand ready to help our friends in Samoa and the region. Going forward, we will continue to provide the resources necessary to respond to this catastrophe, and we will keep those who have lost so much in our thoughts and prayers.
- A magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck at 1:48 pm EDT Tuesday, Sep 29, 2009 approximately 140 miles southwest of American Samoa.
- Capitol city of Pago Pago hit with significant tsunami wash of 5.1 feet with lower heights seen elsewhere.
- Western District of American Samoa is without power–estimated at a minimum of 30 days to repair. More than half of the Eastern District is without water and power.
- Fatalities and injuries have been reported.
- LBJ Hospital has power and water and is operational.
- Significant damage to infrastructure including power, water, and industry. Total extent unknown-on-the-ground assessment on-going.
- Road washouts and debris are prevalent. The bridge leading to the town of Leona has been repaired and is open to emergency traffic only.
- USGS reports numerous aftershocks ranging from 4.8 to 5.8 magnitude.
- AS EOC reports 15 shelters open, and 2,690 displaced persons.
- Damage assessments are currently being completed.
- The seaport at Pago Pago is operational. The USN is sending the USS Ingraham to provide as-needed support-arrival time estimated at 1900 local time 30Sep09.
- Main airport on American Samoa reported by the FAA to be cleared of debris with both runways operational.
- Hawaiian Airlines is planning a humanitarian flight coordinated with American Samoa later on 30Sep09 (tentative 1500PST)
Table of contents for Somoa
- Samoa rocked by earthquake, drowned by tsunami
- Samoa reeling from tsunamis, 3 to 5 waves strike
- Situation report for American Samoa 9-30-2009 Noon EDT
- Aid rushing to American Samoa tsunami zone
- How far away is American Samoa
- American Samoa tsunami update for October 1 2009 10 am EDT
- American Samoa tsunami update for October 1 2009 9 pm EDT
- American Samoa tsunami update for October 2 2009 3 pm EDT
- American Samoa tsunami update for October 3 2009 4 pm EDT
- American Samoa tsunami update for October 5 2009 11 pm EDT
- American Samoa Wrapup
- USS Ingraham aids American Samoa
