-
A letter lies in the mud at Coconuts Resort in Samoa - Source: Reuters -
Watch Video
-
Related
The Taufua family have laid to rest in their home village the 13 family members they lost during the Samoa tsunami, despite government plans for a common grave for all victims.
It took four vehicles to deliver them up the mountain to their final resting place and in the fading light of the day the 13 family members were laid side by side.
Ben Taufua says the burial site now holds four generations of their family.
"We have four generations of our family buried in this little place - my father, 97, to the youngest who is nine months (a) great, great grandchild," he says.
All three of Sinafea Taufua's children are now gone. Earlier in the day she was in intensive care but she had to farewell her babies.
Sinafea was with her youngest, Edmund junior in the bathroom when the wave hit.
"God gave me the most beautiful children and he took them back," she says.
Ben says she is the one reason they have kept it together and been strong.
The Taufuas were determined to bury their own in their Lalomanu village high above the waters that took them away.
The reality is yet to sink in for Sinafea though.
"Sometimes when I go to sleep I feel as if it has never happened, it feels as if I'm still sleeping with them," she says.
Ben says they are all still in shock.
"We're emotionless at the moment, we're still lost, we're still shocked."
With many more funerals to come, it is the sentiment of a country.
Share your stories or condolences following Samoa's tsunami on our messageboard below
World News Video
-
Dangerous rush to Everest summit (1:59)
-
Dozens killed in Syrian massacre (2:09)
-
'King of Romance' competes in Eurovision (1:46)
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