A US Navy sailor from the USS Ingram carts away rubble and debris in American Samoa US Continues Tsunami Assistance (7 Oct 09) The Acting US Deputy Chief of Mission in Apia, Arnold Campbell today reiterated the US Government’s commitment to assisting the Pacific Islands affected by the Tsunami as he presented Samoan Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Honorable Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi with a US Government relief aid grant. Mr. Campbell said that today’s grant of WST $251,900 (USD $100,000) underscores the US willingness to help and that the US stands ready to respond to additional needs as they are identified by Government of Samoa. “We’re in constant communication with the Government of Samoa and other regional governments about the best way we can work together to assist the victims of the Tsunami,” Mr. Campbell said. “As President Obama said the other day, as well as providing assistance in American Samoa, 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," he added. Prime Minister Tuilaepa expressed the gratitude of the government and people of Samoa for the grant, as it would help a long way to assist Samoans who have lost their homes and families. Chargé Campbell made note that the Embassy was also in contact with various US NGOs in the country offering humanitarian support such as Samaritan’s Purse and South Pacific Business Development. “Coordination and cooperation are key. As in any disaster we have to look to address the unexpected chaos in as effective and coordinated manner as possible. We need to address the real needs of people who have lost so much.” US efforts in American Samoa are also ongoing with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in close and constant contact with emergency responders, and the US Coast Guard fully supporting the deployment of resources to those areas in need of immediate assistance.

Statement From President Obama

White House press release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2009

"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."

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President Obama Declares Major Disaster in American Samoa

White House press release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 29, 2009

The President tonight declared a major disaster exists in the Territory of American Samoa and ordered Federal aid to supplement Territory and local recovery efforts in the area struck by an earthquake, tsunami, and flooding beginning on September 29, 2009, and continuing.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the Territory of American Samoa.

This assistance will provide immediate resources to address response, including urgent life sustaining and public health and safety measures. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to the Territory of American Samoa and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance.

Federal funding also is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Territory of American Samoa.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Kenneth R. Tingman as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FEMA said that damage surveys have been requested and will be conducted as soon as the situation permits.

FEMA said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the Territory can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.

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Statement From FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate

Release Date: September 29, 2009
Release Number: 1859-Statement

» More Information on American Samoa Earthquake, Tsunami, and Flooding

"The Federal Emergency Management Agency has activated its National Response Coordination Center, as well as our Regional Response Coordination Center in Region IX, in order to support American Samoa as they respond to the earthquake and resulting tsunami in the Pacific Ocean.  Working closely with the US Coast Guard, FEMA is deploying an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) as well as a Planning and Response Team (PRT) to American Samoa to provide support and on the ground assessment. FEMA, who has provisions pre-positioned in a distribution center in Hawaii, is also preparing to send supplies as needed. We remain in contact with the leadership of American Samoa and our federal partners and will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that there are no unmet needs in the territory or in other potentially impacted regions. As we take the steps necessary to address the situation, our thoughts and prayers are with the people in the affected communities that have been impacted by this event."

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.