In the early hours of Tuesday, 29 September 2009, as the people of Samoa went about the start of a new day, the serenity of that tropical island was violently shattered by an earthquake measuring 8.2 on the Richter scale. In a matter of minutes, successive tsunami waves of up to 15 meters in height rushed ashore causing widespread destruction.

Read the full story.

5 September 2012 The Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano and Minister for Revenue Services and Member of Parliament for the Niua constituency, Hon. Sosefo Fe‘aomoeata Vakata today handed over 39 houses to the people of Niuatoputapu in Tonga whose homes were destroyed by the 2009 tsunami.

The non-government organisation Habitat for Humanity has begun a project which it hopes will see it become the lead aid agency when providing emergency shelter and housing in the Pacific region.

In 2009, after the Samoa Tsunami wiped out villages along the country's South coast, Habitat's volunteers were amongst those helping with the rebuilding effort.

Now it wants to use that on-the-job experience to provide quick shelter for those who might be affected by future disasters.

Presenter: Pacific Correspondent, Campbell Cooney

In June 2009 Samoa was the set for the popular TV program Survivor. It was a fantastic choice. It is one of those picture-perfect places–shady palms, trees dripping with fruit, blossoming hibiscus, all framed by powder sand beaches. It is a vastly understated paradise.

A few months later, the country was once again centre stage. This time for something utterly distressing and heart-breaking as the country embarked on the harrowing search for real life survivors after they were struck by a powerful tsunami on 29 September 2009.

(Extract)

EMERGENCY UPDATE - Needs Still Gr eat in Pakistan and Horn o f Africa

Recent months have seen large-scale flooding in Asia, Latin America, and a massive earthquake in Turkey. Thank you to donors who have responded to the needs displayed on our media – the spread of the Caritas network means we can direct such funds to places you specify. Our appeals are still open for the huge need that continues to exist for Pakistan and the Horn of Africa.

Pakistan

On 9 - 10 November, some 30 Pacific Rim countries will take part in a tsunami warning exercise, PacWave11, organized under the aegis of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). The test is destined to help governmental authorities in the countries involved prepare for major tsunami events.

Samoa's churches will be overflowing today for solemn services marking the second anniversary of a tsunami that devastated the nation.

The disaster left a trail of terrible stories of lost friends and family members and homes left in ruins.

Presenter: Emma Younger

Speaker: Lani Wendt Young, author of Pacific Tsunami; Mika, tsunami survivor

Listen: Windows Media

Period covered by this final report: October 2009 to May 2011

Appeal budget: CHF 2,506,429

Final appeal coverage: 101.5 per cent

Appeal history

• On 30 September 2009, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) allocated CHF 325,134 from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Samoa Red Cross Society’s operation.

This report covers the period October 2009 to April 2011

Summary