Deadly Tsunami in South Pacific

An undersea earthquake on September 29 triggered a large tsunami in the South Pacific. The tidal wave devastated coastal villages on the islands of Samoa and American Samoa, killing more than 150 and leaving thousands homeless. Nearby Tonga was also impacted by the five-foot-tall wall of water. The earthquake, which registered 8.0 on the Richter scale, actually generated three separate tsunami waves.

Many coastal towns were flattened by the tsunami, and authorities in the Polynesia region expect the death toll to rise as rescue teams reach outlying areas. Debris from houses and businesses, together with battered boats and cars, is strewn along the coastline. Some residents received warning to move to higher ground, but the impact came very suddenly. Early-warning systems proved insufficient to alert the population of the coming disaster.

Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, a U.S. island territory, was submerged for several hours, but its hospital and airport are operational, according to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Damage to infrastructure, including a connecting bridge that was washed away, has prevented access to parts of American Samoa’s main island. President Obama declared the territory a major disaster area, adding federal assistance to local efforts. U.S. Coast Guard C-130 cargo planes have begun delivering medical personnel, food, water, and medicine to the islands. A detachment of the Hawaii National Guard has been sent to help with medical relief and search-and-rescue operations. Island residents are assisting search and cleanup crews in the wake of the deadly tsunami.

Related Links

  • 119 Dead, Villages “Wiped Out” in Samoa Tsunami
    This article describes the devastating tsunami that swept over the Samoan Islands in the South Pacific.
    (Source: The Associated Press, September 30, 2009)
  • Scores Dead, Villages Flattened in Devastating Samoan Tsunami
    This article details the destruction wrought by the earthquake-caused tsunami that hit South Pacific islands including Samoa and American Samoa.
    (Source: CNN, September 30, 2009)
  • Samoa tsunami lesson: Early warning system too slow
    This article discusses the failure of early-warning systems to provide adequate notice of undersea earthquakes and tsunamis.
    (Source: The Christian Science Monitor, September 30, 2009)
  • Map of Samoa
    This map of Samoa from the University of Texas includes an inset map showing American Samoa as well as the islands’ position northeast of New Zealand.
    (Source: The University of Texas)

Other Issues in the Region

Aboriginal Land Claims

After practicing what is often called “institutionalized racism” against its Aboriginal peoples a century ago, Australia is now struggling to improve the lives of Aborigines. Despite legal changes and efforts at fighting racism, many Aborigines still experience a lower standard of living, including poverty, health problems, unemployment, and violence.

Environmental Change

Many scientists are convinced that climate changes today are not part of a natural cycle, but a result of human activity. They argue that the unbridled use of fossil fuels to power automobiles and airplanes and to produce electricity and manufactured goods is adding too many greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and contributing to global warming.

For decades, the industrialized nations have contributed to this pattern. As more and more of the world industrializes, the problem may become much worse. Some scientists believe that global warming is not only causing sea waters to rise, but may also be contributing to changing wind and rain patterns. They report that severe weather disturbances, such as storms, floods, and droughts in many parts of the world appear to be associated with such changes.

  • King Crabs Invade Antarctica
    Some experts believe that the waters around the Antarctic Peninsula are warming, causing a king crab invasion. The crabs are moving up from the deep ocean and preying on the creatures living in shallower waters, changing the ecosystem. Other scientists agree there are rapid changes underway, but argue that not enough is yet known to pin the sudden appearance of king crabs in the area on climate change. (Source: Washington Post, March 20, 2011)

Industrialization Sparks Change

Two main changes brought by industrialization are human migration to find jobs, and the need for natural resources. The growth of industry in Southeast Asia has produced positive results such as new jobs and higher wages. But it has also led to overcrowded cities and pollution.

In the face of industrialization, there is concern that such rapid change will not only harm the environment, but also trample and erase the cultural traditions of Southeast Asia.

  • Migration in the Asia-Pacific Region
    A new United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs study analyzes migration in Asia, focusing on six areas: migration to Western countries, contract laborers’ movement to the Middle East, international labor migration within Asia, movement of high-skill workers, mobility of students, and refugee migration.
    (Source: migrationinformation.com, July 2009)

5 Comments

  1. SHORTY says:

    IM VERY SORRY FOR THOSE WHO DIED

  2. LOVER OF CHICKEN says:

    I MIGHT BE A CHICKEN LOVER BUT I DO FEEL SRY FOR THOSE WHO DIED

  3. FROMEGGEDON says:

    I’M VERY SORRY FOR THOSE WHO DIED, GOOD ARTICLE

  4. Hannah says:

    I am so sorry for what happened to them. I hope they will be able to rebuild everything. I hope this never happens again.

    • Aristobulo says:

      I was worried about you, Runo. I lenraed so much from you in dollmaking. I am happy you’re are well.We pray for Japan. For the victims and their family and for people who survived.We are all with youNijenn from France