Media release
30 September 2009
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Caritas opens appeal for Pacific tsunami
A Caritas assessment team is on route to the worst affected areas of
Western Samoa following an 8.3 earthquake 200km from the capital Apia.
The consequent tsunami has hit Western and American Samoa early this
morning.
Caritas Australia’s local partner agency has sent a team
specialising in Disaster Response to the heavily affected area in the
south of Upolu to conduct a needs assessment and begin the relief
effort.
“While Australia and the Pacific Islands have cancelled their
tsunami warnings, the risk to those in affected areas remains
significant. There is particular concern for Samoa’s low
lying coastal communities, who remain vulnerable to sea surges after the
tsunami”, said Caritas Australia CEO Jack De Groot.
“It appears that while the quake itself damaged infrastructure in
the city of Apia, the greatest damage has been done when the tsunami hit
the southern coasts of Western Samoa and American Samoa”, said Mr
De Groot.
The Catholic Pastoral Centre at Logoipulotu in Savai'i has been
converted to an emergency medical centre as patients have been relocated
from the hospital.
“Caritas Australia has an ongoing commitment to this region with
development projects in Western Samoa and we will assist in the relief
effort as directed by our partner agency Caritas Samoa. After a tsunami
there is an immediate need for temporary shelter while the threat of
polluted water poses great risk for those temporarily displaced”,
said Mr De Groot.
Caritas Australia is accepting donations to the Pacific Tsunami Appeal
and once immediate needs are addressed will focus on the long term
rehabilitation of the affected populations.
You can support the Caritas Australia Pacific Tsunami
Appeal by calling 1800 024 413 or making a donation online.
For more information call Tim O’Connor (02) 8306 3444 or 0417 284
831
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