Today is the 12th anniversary of one of the darkest days in the territory’s recent history.
Close to 7 am on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 two powerful earthquakes within minutes of each other rocked the Samoan islands and Tonga, generating a deadly tsunami with waves of up to 72 feet.
Thirty-four people were killed in American Samoa and 149 perished in Samoa.
Some bodies were never recovered. Cars and buses were washed out to sea,…the waves collapsed homes and businesses along the coast.
Eleven of the 34 people killed in the tsunami were from Leone village…their families would bring bouquets to a healing garden dedicated to their memory on this day.
In memory and honor of those who lost their lives in the 2009 tsunami, Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga declared in a memo issued yesterday that all flags will be flown at half staff today. He has encouraged departments to hold prayer services. ASG will also close at noon today.
The Governor reflected, “On Tuesday, September 29, 2009 our Territory was devastated by the South Pacific Tsunami that resulted in wide-spread devastation and claimed 34 lives in our Territory. We will never forget the horrors that transpired that day. This date serves as a remembrance of the lives we lost on that September morning. More than ever, we committed to moving our Territory towards greater resilience in the face of future events. May we all continue to be vigilant in our preparations for natural disasters.
“While we remember those we lost and recall the devastation of that tragic day, may we never forget that in moments of crisis and uncertainty, there is always hope.”
In memory of those killed, Governor Lemanu ordered that:
• Flags of the United States and American Samoa will be flown at half-staff
• All ASG departments, agencies, and authorities are encouraged to hold a prayer service
• American Samoa Government will observe a half day
The Governor also thanked American Samoa’s first responders and “all the heroes who tirelessly strengthen our Territory’s ability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, and recover from natural disasters.”
Lemanu said, “As we reflect upon this tragedy, the lives lost, and the impacts on the affected survivors, let us each take a moment to be grateful for the Lord’s enduring protection and blessings on our Territory.
“May God Bless our beloved Territory of American Samoa!”
The Department of Homeland security/Temco is holding a disaster preparedness wave this morning in front of the Territorial Bank of American Samoa Tafuna branch beginning at 9am.
