Release Number: R9-10-012

Oakland, Calif. -- One year ago today a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck American Samoa and caused extensive damage and loss of life. The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has worked side-by-side with the survivors since the tragedy, and today the leadership and employees of FEMA offer their heartfelt condolences and a shared optimism for the future to the people of American Samoa still struggling to put their lives back together.

Though much has been done to help American

Interior Field Representative in American Samoa, Lydia Faleafine-Nomura, on behalf of Secretary Ken Salazar and Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs Tony Babauta, presented to Governor Togiola a thousand pounds of books and school supplies for distribution to the students of the schools that were damaged by the September 29, 2009 tsunami.

"Two days after the tsunami, Assistant

Permanent Housing Construction Program

Governor Togiola said Construction Orders have been issued for three applicants. Fourteen applicants have had their Land Use Permits approved, while 32 are awaiting Site Inspection Requests.

The Construction Orders for houses for

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Barack Obama today made additional disaster assistance available to the Territory of American Samoa by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for Public Assistance, including direct federal assistance; Hazard Mitigation; and the Other Needs Assistance portion of the Individual Assistance Program.

The President's major disaster declaration issued for the Territory of American Samoa on September 29, 2009, as a

In a letter to Governor Togiola, Mayor Brown said the condolence books were just a small representation of the genuine grief and suffering felt by the Manukau community in the wake of the tsunami. Manukau City Council arranged for condolence books to be placed in libraries and other public areas.

Mayor Brown informed Governor Togiola

Governor Togiola said the approval of Emergency Relief funds, which came in a letter dated December 18, 2009 from the Federal Highway Administration Hawaii Federal-Aid Division, is to assist the American Samoa Government in repairing damages for the Federal-Aid highways in the Territory that were damaged due to the earthquake and the tsunami waves on September 29, 2009.

PERMANENT HOUSING

Governor Togiola said the American Samoa Government has been working closely with the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA and its federal partners in the recovery efforts, including providing for housing needs, in the aftermath of the Sept. 29 earthquake, tsunami and flooding.

"Over 8000 families have registered

Pago Pago, AS -- FEMA and its federal partners continue to work closely with the American Samoa Government to assist in the recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Sept. 29, earthquake, tsunami and flooding. Below are a few progress updates from FEMA and its partners:

- Approved more than $15.5 million in grants to individuals for housing and other disaster needs

- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $7.0 million in low-interest disaster loans.

- To date over 450 Celina tents will have been distributed.