-
A damaged truck is seen among wreckage after a tsunami in Samoa - Source: Reuters -
Related
Australia will airlift humanitarian supplies and medical
personnel to Samoa, which has been struck by a massive South
Pacific earthquake and tsunami.
A chartered aircraft is scheduled to take off from Brisbane for the
Pacific island at 2.00am local time with doctors and nurses from
Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.
Australian Government personnel from AusAID, Emergency Management
Australia, the Australian Federal Police and the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade will also be on the flight.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith said a Defence C-130
Hercules aircraft departing from Richmond on Thursday would
transport humanitarian supplies.
"The response is part of a $A2 million initial package of support
to help Samoa respond to the immediate aftermath of the tsunami,"
he said in a statement.
"The support includes disaster relief items such as tents,
tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets and water containers.
"Australia extends its condolences to the communities affected by
the tsunami, which has caused large scale devastation in the
southern region of Samoa."
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is advising Australians
to reconsider their need to travel to Samoa.
"As tourist areas have been particularly affected, tourists should
consider postponing travel to Samoa at this time," the warning
said.
Anyone worried about the safety of non-New Zealand relatives in Samoa should contact the Samoan High Commission on 04 472 0953.
The New Zealand Red Cross has also launched a Samoa
Tsunami Relief project at
givealittle.co.nz
Share your comments and condolences on the messageboard
below
Add a Comment:
Post new commentjaxlino said on 2009-10-07 @ 14:15 NZDT: Report abusive post
anyone from the Satitoa village?
markservian said on 2009-10-05 @ 21:05 NZDT: Report abusive post
Tai Taufua is interviewed in this story... http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/church-comforts-many-in-samoa-3048401/video
Liviyj12 said on 2009-10-05 @ 19:30 NZDT: Report abusive post
i feel sorry fot those who have been affected.... i also feel sorry for Vai. he has lost so much of his family..:(
Micksta said on 2009-10-05 @ 11:16 NZDT: Report abusive post
My heart goes out to everyone who has lost family member/s in the earthquake and tsunami. I know what it would be like, as I was in Samoa as the earthquake struck and I read and saw the devastating effects of the tsunami that followed, both in newspapers and also for real. I would like to say that Nuu Black Sand Beach was hit my the tsunami and is in a bad state (Not that much of an attraction now).
PurpleOlive said on 2009-10-05 @ 09:04 NZDT: Report abusive post
I am so sad for all who have lost family members. We are humbled by how quickly lives can be lost. Our hearts go out to each and every one of you and I cry tears for your sweet babies. Your pain is shared by our thoughts and may you find the strength within yourselves to carry on, xox