Tsunami kills hundreds in Samoa and South Pacific region

September 30, 2009 | Surfing
Tsunami

More than 120 people were killed after a series of tsunamis hit the South Pacific.

The huge waves were triggered by a magnitude 8.0 earthquake in the region. Reports indicate that at least 100 people were killed in Western Samoa, an island with 200,000 citizens.

Several tourist resorts and villages were destroyed. In neighboring American Samoa, reports speak of 19 people losing their lives.

Another 10 deaths were reported on Tonga's northern island of Niuatoputapu. The devastation in Samoa is huge, and the population needs urgent support from the international community.

In the Lalomanu beach resort, more than 20 people were reported killed. This is a very popular destination for New Zealand and Australian holidaymakers.

US President Barack Obama announced federal funds for disaster relief in the US territory of American Samoa.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said a three-meter tsunami was traveling across the Pacific at about 800 km an hour and issued an alert.

The South Pacific region is a very popular surfing destination. Please do your best to help the victims of the tsunami.

The Surfing Christmas Gift Guide for 2023 | Explore our Christmas gift ideas for surfers