FEMA rushes to help tsunami victims in South Pacific

APIA, Samoa (AP) — Federal disaster officials say “tens of thousands” of people on American Samoa and Samoa will need their help after a lethal tsunami in the South Pacific.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency was flying into American Samoa with food, water and repair supplies early Wednesday, and officials are anticipating the worst. Administrator Craig Fugate says “tens of thousands” of survivors will need assistance, many of whom were injured.

At least 99 people were killed after the magnitude 8.0 quake struck at 6:47 a.m. local time and sent giant waves crashing down on the islands. The quake was centered about 120 miles south of the islands of Samoa and American Samoa, a U.S. territory of 65,000.

Four tsunami waves 15 to 20 feet (4 to 6 meters) high roared ashore on American Samoa, reaching up to a mile (1.5 kilometers) inland, Mike Reynolds, superintendent of the National Park of American Samoa, was quoted as saying by a parks service spokeswoman.

Less than 24 hours later, another strong underwater earthquake rocked western Indonesia on Wednesday, briefly triggering a tsunami alert for countries along the Indian Ocean and sending panicked residents out of their houses. The quake toppled buildings, cut power and triggered a landslide on Sumatra island, and at least 13 people were reported killed.

The Samoan capital, Apia, was virtually deserted by afternoon, with schools and businesses closed. Hours after the waves struck, sirens rang out with another tsunami alert and panicked residents headed for higher ground again, although there was no indication of a new quake.

In American Samoa’s capital of Pago Pago, the streets and fields were filled with ocean debris, mud, overturned cars and several boats as a massive cleanup effort continued into the night. Several buildings in the city — just a few feet above sea level — were flattened. Several areas were expected to be without power for up to a month.

In Washington, President Obama has declared a major disaster for American Samoa. Obama said in a statement early Wednesday that he and his wife, Michelle, “will keep those who have lost so much in our thoughts and prayers.”

Hampered by power and communications outages, officials in the South Pacific islands struggled to determine damage and casualties.

Samoan police commissioner Lilo Maiava told The Associated Press that police had confirmed 63 deaths but devastated areas were still being searched.

At least 30 people were killed on American Samoa, Gov. Togiola Tulafono said, adding that the toll was expected to rise from searches by emergency crews.

“I don’t think anybody is going to be spared in this disaster,” said Tulafono, who was in Hawaii for a conference. He added that a member of his extended family was among the dead.

Authorities in Tonga, which is south of the Samoas, confirmed at least six dead on that island nation west of the Samoas, according to New Zealand’s acting Prime Minister Bill English. He said Tongan officials told him that four people were missing after the tsunami struck the northern island of Niua.

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