Red Cross Responding to earthquake and tsunami in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga

(Ottawa - September 30, 2009) Red Cross Societies in Samoa and Tonga and the American Red Cross in American Samoa have played a vital role in humanitarian relief efforts following an early morning 8.3 magnitude earthquake and its resulting tsunami.

The Samoa Red Cross responded immediately, with 135 of its trained volunteers providing early warnings to those in coastal settlements to stay clear of beaches, supporting evacuation efforts in and around Apia, and opening five temporary shelter sites, estimating that a total of 60 villages and between 10,000 and 15,000 people have been impacted by this emergency.

Volunteers are currently distributing clean water, first aid supplies, tarpaulins and other relief to impacted individuals and families.

In Tonga, reports indicate that the Niuas Islands and several villages were flooded, with at least nine families directly impacted. The Tonga Red Cross has mobilized its volunteers to provide needed assistance and conduct further assessments.

The Canadian Red Cross is on standby ready to send trained aid workers and relief supplies if requested.

For more information on the Canadian Red Cross or relief efforts in affected communities please visit www.redcross.ca

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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Canadian Red Cross
Media Line
613-740-1994
www.redcross.ca

Posted September 30, 2009