At 6.50am Wed 30 Sept (New Zealand time) an earthquake of 8.3 magnitude triggered a tsunami which devastated villages along the southern coast of Upolu and Savai’i, as well as the northern islands of Tonga, and the southern coast of American Samoa.
Aftershocks continue to be felt, and the most recent reports indicate the death toll is nearing 150 in Samoa, with many still missing. 31 have been reported dead in American Samoa, and 9 in Tonga.
The numbers are expected to rise as bodies are recovered. Initial estimates from the Government of Samoa are that 1000 families have been displaced with 32,000 affected. An estimated 800 people have been displaced in Tonga.
The Samoan Government estimates damage to infrastructure, public and private properties is $380m (NZ$195 million).
Oxfam need your donation now to help us to provide safe water, and essential supplies such as tarpaulins, hygiene kits and mosquito nets for the thousands left homeless.
For more info go here.