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Amata recalls tsunami warning the night of December 10

It was after midnight when suddenly I was awakened by a phone call from a family member. John said he was picking up on a tsunami warning signal but could not confirm it. He asked if I had felt an earthquake. I said no. He said that if he could not confirm the tsunami warning, the best thing for me to do is to get out of my house and head to safer ground. On Sept. 29 I had to outrun the waves, so this time I was even more frightened but also left my car elsewhere so I had no wheels. Since our property consists of 16 acres surrounded by the ocean on three out of four sides of that parcel of land, I knew I had to run fast in the darkness towards safety. One feels tiny, weak and helpless against even an imagined large wave rapidly moving in one's direction. Ten excruciating minutes later, a phone call confirmed that someone in NOAA had pushed the wrong button thus triggering the tsunami warning. In fact, it should have been a severe weather alert for flash flooding because the heavy rain was coming down at the rate of three inches per hour. Thank God that's all it turned out to be but still it was a very frightening experience because a scary September 29 was still fresh in my memory. Nowadays we in American Samoa take every real or perceived tsunami warning very seriously. So, please NOAA, (National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration) I appreciate all your work to help our community stay safe, but you need to get it right the first time because there may not be a second chance. September 29 traumatized us all.

Ma le fa'aaloalo lava,

Aumua Amata

Lastest updates from the National Operations Center

Monday Columbus Day FEMA update

Here's the latest from the National Operations Center (as of 6pm EDT, 10/12):

Current -- FEMA reports further reductions in staffing is anticipated as on-site personnel in American Samoa assume operational control. Confirmed tsunami-related fatalities in American Samoa remain at 32. As of 7am EDT, the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) downgraded to Level IV operations and staffing. The FEMA Region IX Regional Response Coordination Center remains at Level II operations and staffing. Key recovery operations include energizing portions of the power infrastructure and coordination of additional power sources, debris and hazardous materials removal, continued medical support to medical entities and the ongoing coordination of citizen care services and resources. All Hawaii National Guard personnel and equipment has demobilized.

Future actions -- Recovery efforts are ongoing as stablization continues to improve in the affected region. FEMA NRCC will continue to provide situational reports to the National Operations Center and spot reports, as needed. This incident was removed from the Common Operating Picture as of 3pm EDT.

Other -- Families are moving back to homes as commodity distribution expands to more villages. The Tafuna Power Plant has reached operational capacity and is supporting a portion of the Satala District. The American Red Cross reports a total of 269 registrations have been received by the Safe and Well database system. Support to Department of Education feeding operations will continue

Friday Oct 9 FEMA update

I'm a bit late in posting this update because I was tied up in Pago village and also attended the funeral services in Leone for two little girls who died in the tsunami. So very sad. May their dear sweet little souls rest in peace.

Here's the latest update from the National Operations Center (as of 6am EDT, Oct 9th):

Current -- FEMA reports further reductions in staffing are anticipated as on-site personnel in American Samoa assume operational control. Confirmed tsunami-related fatalities in American Samoa remain at 32. A total of 23 small generators, ranging from 11.5kw-150kw are in the aerial port at Hickam AFB, HI and are expected to arrive in American Samoa later today (10/9). Additional temporary housing supplies have been ordered and a delivery date is being confirmed. The Joint Field Office is fully functional and has assumed operational control. FEMA objectives for this operational period are to develop a housing strategy (Housing Task Force), continue long-term power restoration, assess HAZMAT conditions island-wide, deliver medical assistance, establish a disaster recovery center, continue search and rescue operations and damage assessments focused on water distribution, critical facilities and schools.

Future -- FEMA logistics continues to coordinate with support agencies to provide transportation of vehicles, personnel, supplies and generators related to power restoration.

Other -- The American Red Cross (ARC) reports a total of 247 registrations have been received by the ARC Safe and Well database system. Support to Department of Education feeding operations will continue.

FEMA Thursday morning Oct 8 update

The latest from the National Operations Center (as of 6am EDT, Oct 8th):

Current -- FEMA reports the number of confirmed fatalities remains at 32. Fourteen shelters remain open supporting 450 families. Fifteen priority generators have been installed and are operational. The Joint Field Office is exptected to be fully operational today. FEMA Regional Response Coordination Center is developing a demobilization plan and will staff a logistics and administration/finance person through the weekend. FEMA Region IX is working on demobilization orders and is not planning a follow-on mission beyond the course of this deployment. The Red Cross reports more than 4,200 meals have been served, and the organization continues to support feeding operations. Eight villages and 215 families have been assisted through bulk distribution efforts.

Future -- FEMA Logistics reports 35 generators (36kw to 640kw) to date have been delivered to American Samoa with an additional ten (500kw) generators scheduled to be delivered on Oct 12th. FEMA Logistics is also in the process of ordering 23 additional generators (115kw to 150kw), currently in stock at the Hawaii facility, which are scheduled to be air-lifted to American Samoa tomorrow (10/9). The Emergency Support Function (ESF)-8 public health mission to American Samoa will be concluded by the close of business today (10/8).

Other -- Red Cross Mass Care workers have assisted with the assembly of more than 140 temporary housing units. To date, 249 families (1,576 individuals) have been provided temporary housing through ESF-6 (Mass Care). Red Cross Health Services, Mental Health and Spirtual Care workers are reaching out to the areas most affected.

Wednesday morning Oct. 7 FEMA Update

The most recent update from the National Operations Center (NOC) as of 6am EDT 10/7:

Current -- FEMA reports the National Response Coordination Center transitioned to Level III yesterday, with all Emergency Support Functions deactivated. FEMA Region IX remains activated at Level II. The number of confirmed fatalities remains at 32. Priorities continue to focus on transitioning citizens from shelters to homes, power restoration, generator support, delivery of medical supplies and completion of damage assessments. Fourteen shelters remain open supporting approximate 450 families. A village-by-village commodity distribution plan was developed with prioritization based on degree of impact, remoteness and lack of utilities. A power restoration plan between the US Army Corps of Engineers and America Samoa continues to be refined. Identification and assessment of destroyed facilities are on-going.

Future Actions -- A lease agreement has been submitted and is being reviewed by American Samoa officials to secure space for a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Governor H. Rex Lee Auditorium in Utulei, American Samoa. If approved, the DRC will open Thursday, Oct 8th. Generators to support power restoration in the Eastern District are due to arrive within 48 hours. The American Red Cross reports 8-12 additional disaster mental health volunteers are due to arrive Oct 8th. A Joint Field Office has been established and personnel are in the process of moving equipment over with full activation expected Oct 8th.

FEMA's latest update from National Operations Center
(as of 6am EDT, Oct 6th) has substantive information:

FEMA Region IX Regional Response Coordination Center (RCC) is activated at Level II. Priorities continue to focus on power restoration, generator support and transitioning citizens from shelters to homes/temporary housing. National Incident Management Assistances Team (IMAT)-West will proivde back-up to Region IX response operations. Region VIII IMAT is currently on a 2-hour recall for possible deployment. Region IX is maintaining operational control. FEMA National RCC is at Level II, 24-hour operations with select Emergency Support Functions. FEMA confirms 32 (one less than reported before) fatalities, one fatality reported earlier is awaiting confirmation of cause. A total of 14 shelters and 9 feeding centers are open, supporting approximately 450 families (475 adults, 500 children). Power to the Eastern District remains non-operational. Aviation fuel remains available and a fuel management plan is being formulated.

Future Actions - A Disaster Recovery Center is scheduled to open on Oct 8th. A team consisting of US Army Corps of Engineers, Dept of Energy, and FEMA personnel will work on specific components needed or restoration, generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. Prioriy generators at the Government Center, Lee Auditorium, and Pago Pago Microfiltration plants are installed and energized. Generators to support the Eastern District during the initial phase of power system restoration are ordered and expected within 72 hours. The Department of Homeland Security Health and Human Services is in the process of demobilizing assets in consultation with American Samoa Ministry of Health and FEMA. The Red Cross will continue to assist clients through Disaster Mental Health, Health Services, and registering clients on the "Safe and Well" website.

Other - The Joint Field Office is established at the Ottoville Center with full activation expected by Oct 7th. There are 372 Federal agency and department personnel assigned with the response and recovery efforts.

FEMA Tuesday morning Oct. 6 Update:

Latest update from the National Operations Center (as of 6am EDT, Oct 6th) has substantive information:

Future Actions - A Disaster Recovery Center is scheduled to open on Oct 8th. A team consisting of US Army Corps of Engineers, Dept of Energy, and FEMA personnel will work on specific components needed or restoration, generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. Prioriy generators at the Government Center, Lee Auditorium, and Pago Pago Microfiltration plants are installed and energized. Generators to support the Eastern District during the initial phase of power system restoration are ordered and expected within 72 hours. The Department of Homeland Security Health and Human Services is in the process of demobilizing assets in consultation with American Samoa Dept of Health and FEMA. The Red Cross will continue to assist clients through Disaster Mental Health, Health Services, and registering clients on the "Safe and Well" website.

FEMA's Monday, Oct 5 Update:

Debris surveys have been completed; an estimated 65,000 cubic yards of debris require removal. A hazardous debris pick-up mission, including household hazardous waste was completed in Pago Pago. Wireless network has been stabilized and Cellular on Wheels (COW) requirement is being validated. 24 schools will reopen on Oct 5th; 5 more schools are scheduled to resume classes on Oct 13th. 14 shelters are open with 975 occupants (American Red Cross reports difficulty verifying individuals as some are using the shelters as feeding centers only and returning back to their homes). Additional medical supplies enroute. Department of Health and Human Services is coordinating with FEMA Region IX on status of critical medicial supplies order. Personnel contribute to support clinical services in both LBJ hospital and area clinics, including decompression of the Emergency Room, augmenting emergency medical services and assisting with medical research. 23 generators delivered; additional generators have been requested. There are 33 confirmed fatalities. Water systems are functioning at near normal capacity island-wide. FEMA Logistics, General Services Administration, Defense Department, Emergency Support Functions-12 and -3 are coordinating generator and other related power restoration support requirements for American Samoa. American Red Cross is developing a plan for outreach and assembling teams for damage assessment and is deploying additional personnel in coordination with FEMA. FEMA reports FBI Fingerprint Flyaway Team to facilitate screening of potential local hire employees as well as possible forensic identification assistance to American Samoa. Estimated arrival on Sunday or Monday.

FEMA Update as of Monday, Oct 5:

Conditions have stabilized a bit. Debris surveys have been completed; an estimated 65,000 cubic yards of debris require removal. A hazardous debris pick-up mission, including household hazardous waste was completed in Pago Pago.

Monday, Oct 5 FEMA Update:

Wireless network has been stabilized and Cellular on Wheels (COW) requirement is being validated.

24 schools will reopen on Oct 5th; 5 more schools are scheduled to resume classes on Oct 13th.

14 shelters are open with 975 occupants (American Red Cross reports difficulty verifying individuals as some are using the shelters as feeding centers only and returning back to their homes).

Additional medical supplies enroute. Department of Health and Human Services is coordinating with FEMA Region IX on status of critical medicial supplies order. Personnel contribute to support clinical services in both LBJ hospital and area clinics, including decompression of the Emergency Room, augmenting emergency medical services and assisting with medical research.

23 generators delivered; additional generators have been requested.

There are 33 confirmed fatalities.

Water systems are functioning at near normal capacity island-wide.

FEMA Logistics, General Services Administration, Defense Department, Emergency Support Functions-12 and -3 are coordinating generator and other related power restoration support requirements for American Samoa.

American Red Cross is developing a plan for outreach and assembling teams for damage assessment and is deploying additional personnel in coordination with FEMA.

FEMA reports FBI Fingerprint Flyaway Team to facilitate screening of potential local hire employees as well as possible forensic identification assistance to American Samoa. Estimated arrival on Sunday or Monday.

Aumua Amata's Oct 3 update: Orientation to Tutuila

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the topography of Tutuila, I am attaching a map with this note to give you some orientation. As with most maps, the top of the map is north. The waves came in from the southwest, which is the lower left corner of the map. Because the earthquake was only 120 miles away at a deep point of the Tonga Trench, the waves traveled faster and were stronger than otherwise might have been the case with a shallower quake and further distance. As it was, there was only about 15 minutes from the time of the quake to the arrival of the first wave. That was insufficient warning time for many people to reach higher ground.

This is the island of Tutuila. The south coast was the most vulnerable to the tsunami that struck the island on September 29.

The south and southwest coasts were the parts of the island most directly exposed to the tsunami. You can see that Leone, a village of some 3,000 people on the southwest coast, was in the direct line of the waves. Leone was damaged very severely and suffered loss of life. Around the bend at Steps Point past Vaitogi (where my daughter lives) and Fogagogo, you will see the airport, Pala Lagoon and Nu'uuli. The peninsula that forms the eastern side of Pala Lagoon ends in a dogleg that is called Coconut Point (Mulinu'u). The eighteen acres at Coconut Point comprise the Coleman Compound, which contains my family residence. That is where I was when the earthquake occurred. I hurried into my car and headed for higher ground immediately. Fortunately, the airport served as a natural barrier and broke the wave, so Coconut Point, the peninsula and Nu'uuli were spared any significant damage.

It would not have been unusual for me to have had an early breakfast in Pago Pago about the time of the morning the waves hit and have been on the road at the time or to have been spending the night in Pago Pago village, but fate dictated that I would be at Coconut Point and spared injury or worse on that morning. Instead, I was in the hills above Nu'uuli.

Continuing to move northeast from Nu'uuli, along the coast, you will come to Fatumafuti, which is at the entrance of Pago Pago Bay. The red lines indicate the paved road system on Tutuila. The light blue lines represent the streams that start in the mountains and empty into the sea. You can see from the mass of blue lines that much of Tutuila is mountainous, which is why there are so few paved roads. The southwest quadrant, where there are no blue lines, is the home to nearly half the island's population. The second largest population center - and the most densely populated area (because of the mountains)-- is the Pago Pago Bay Area from Faga'alu around to Aua. The single road that hugs the coast from Nu'uuli to Faga'alu is the lifeline between the two major population centers. Had the tsunami washed away that road at any point, the two population centers would have been severed and rescue efforts by land would have been impossible until repairs were made. Emergency supplies that were airlifted in from Hawaii would have had to have been taken by boat from the airport around to the harbor. Injured people in the Bay Area could not have been transported to the airport for evacuation to Hawaii and the injured people in Leone would not have been able to have been transported to the Hospital, which is near Faga'alu. Fortunately, the road was left intact.

The Bay acted as a funnel and the waves came right into it and up into the harbor to its head at my village, Pago Pago. Over 40 years ago, the government filled in land at the head of the harbor to create more space for homes and stores. This landfill was in the direct path of the waves and is why Pago Pago suffered the most casualties and the most property damage. One of the most solid buildings erected on the landfill is Pago Plaza, a two story shopping center. It is distinctive for its blue brick exterior. From the second floor, there were some dramatic photos taken of the waves coming in and receding. They can be found at http://picasaweb.google.com/qrkpub/SamoaTsunami#. The slideshow also has some photos from other villages. You can find those villages on the map. I hope this narrative, map and slideshow give you a little better understanding of what happened here last week.

AUMUA AMATA

Friday, Oct 2 FEMA Update:

the lastest (as of 7:20am EDT) from NOC is:

The Governor's priorities are search and rescue, power restoration, and further damage assessments. There are 325 federal personnel assisting in the region. Structural assessments are still being conducted. The eastern power plant remains non-operational, leaving about 6,000 customers without power. Water systems are functioning near normal capacity island-wide. Pago Pago airport is open with operational limitations. FEMA logistics personnel are coordinating with aviation fuel suppliers to meet the airport's fuel needs. Gasoline and diesel fuel supplies are plentiful. LBJ Medical Center is open and operational. Eleven shelters remain open with 1,424 occupants (no change).

FEMA Region IX priorities are to installl generators from priority list of critical facitilies for power restoration, search and rescue, commodity distribution, transition of citizens from shelters to homes and temporary housing, issue public message about clearance and burning of debris and HAZMAT, deliver medical supplies to LBJ hospital, and further damage assessments.

The Red Cross reports feeding operations are ongoing with a coordinated feeding plan being developed. 3,000 meals have been served thus far. The relief operation is developing a plan for outreach and assembling teams for damage assessment. Volunteers on the ground are distributing needed personal hygiene supplie

FEMA's American Samoa Tsunami Response Situational Overview�Thursday, 10/01/09

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today updated information on the continuation of federal support to American Samoa.

FEMA and its federal partners continue to work closely with Governor Tulafono to respond in areas of American Samoa impacted by the tsunami. The FEMA National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) and the FEMA Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) in Region IX have been operating around the clock since Tuesday. FEMA deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) as well as a Planning and Response Team (PRT) to American Samoa to provide direct support and response. Kenneth R. Tingman, the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) for federal response and recovery operations has toured the affected areas with the Governor of American Samoa.

FEMA continues to facilitate the flow of resources including meals, water, blankets, shelter materials and medical supplies to meet the immediate life sustaining needs of the survivors. Medical personal and other federal responders have also been deployed directly to the territory to aid in the response.

REUNITING FAMILIES

FEMA's National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS) and The American Red Cross Safe and Well Program have been activated to reunite families that have become separated as a result of this disaster. Individuals and families can register with NEFRLS online at www.fema.gov or call 1-8.... Families can also register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Website at www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register your loved ones.

SUPPLYING THE ISLAND

C-130 Flights:

A United States Coast Guard C-130, from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento, Calif. arrived at 7 a.m local time (2 p.m. EDT) on September 30th in Pago Pago, American Samoa. This flight carried Governor Tulafono, who was in Hawaii at the time of the tsunami, the initial response team of 50 personnel including Federal Coordinating Officer, Kenneth J. Tingman, Defense Coordinating Officer Col. James George, as well as team supplies for seven days.

A second United States Coast Guard C-130 from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Calif. arrived in American Samoa at approximately 7 p.m. on September 30th, (2 a.m. EDT, October 1st). This flight included additional commodities and FEMA personnel including the Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT), a regionally-based incident 'strike team' and the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), medical expert volunteers that are part of the National Disaster Medical System.

C-17 National Guard Flights:

A Hawaii National Guard C-17 cargo flight from Honolulu arrived in American Samoa at 1 a.m. local time (8 a.m. EDT) on October 1st. This flight included over 40 National Guard personnel, four vehicles, hazmat materials, communications equipment, cots, blankets, food and water.

An additional Hawaii National Guard C-17 cargo flight arrived at 4 a.m. (11 a.m. EDT) on October 1st in American Samoa. This flight included 20 additional National Guard personnel, five vehicles, hazmat materials, communications equipment, cots, blankets, food and water.

A third National Guard C-17 from McChord AFB in Bothell, WA is scheduled to arrive late tonight, local American Samoa time. This flight includes FEMA and National Guard personnel including National Guard CERF-P Search and Rescue teams, vehicles, trailers and cargo.

USS Ingraham:

This United States Navy frigate arrived in American Samoa on September 30th with food, water, commodities and two Seahawk helicopters available for search and recovery operations. The helicopters have already allowed Governor Tulafono and Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth J. Tingman to survey damage to American Samoa.

FEMA PARTNERS RESPOND

U.S. Coast Guard: Assisting with flights to deploy teams to the American Samoa and disaster relief supplies; conducting shoreline cleanup and assessments; deployed team to inspect vessels and regulated facilities; developed a plan to re-float two large fishing vessels;
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Deploying Disaster Medical Assistance Teams to provide medical support to survivors; a public health official has been deployed along with other support staff including public health experts; providing medical and pharmaceutical equipment and supplies;
U.S. Department of the Interior: Deploying National Park Service (NPS) specialists to assess damage to NPS facilities and resources and assist with ongoing recovery efforts; deployed staff to conduct a needs assessment with the local fire department; Interior�s Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas, Anthony Babauta and the Director, Office of Insular Affairs, Nik Pula are departing to American Samoa to coordinate with FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer and American Samoa's Governor;
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): At present time, USACE is deploying the 249th Engineering Battalion to support emergency power needs for critical public facilities; deploying subject matter experts in debris management, water/wastewater, and power to assist in response efforts;
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD): Defense Coordinating Officer has been deployed;
U.S. Pacific Command (DOD): Providing refrigeration support to operations; USS Ingram prepared to assist with equipment and supplies;
National Guard Bureau: Deployed personnel including those with medical and search and rescue experience and disaster relief supplies; deploying specialized communication gear and support staff;
Small Business Administration (SBA): Deploying approximately 40 assistance workers to assist in recovery efforts; SBA customer service representatives will issue disaster loan applications, answer questions about the loan program, explain the process and answer questions;
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Victims of the recent tsunami in American Samoa may qualify for tax relief from the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS is postponing certain deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. For details and additional information please visit www.irs.gov, use keyword American Samoa Tsunami;
American Red Cross: Deployed special liaison to American Samoa; dozens of volunteers on the ground in American Samoa providing food and supplies in affected areas; a leadership team of approximately 50 volunteers is on its way to the island to supplement the local Red Cross workforce; providing cots, flashlights, cooking supplies and clean-up supplies.

Thursday, Oct 1 FEMA update:

Last night's update (as of 6pm EDT) from NOC also notes the following additional information:

Officials estimate 1,000 displaced individuals, with two confirmed missing. 129 injured were treated at LBJ Medical Center.

Future Actions - Six total generators are enroute to American Samoa; five generators are now on the ground. Additional medical and pharmaceutical supplies are enroute. Local power authorities are expecting temporary power restoration within two weeks.

Other - American Samoa will assess the requirements for a Debris Task Force as there will most likely be a large debris removal mission. There are no current requests for water-water systems are nearly restored island-wide. Most major roadways are open and passable with the bridge to Leone open to one-way traffic. The Seaport is operational with no restrictions. Cellular service remains available with limitations.

Wednesday, Sept 30 FEMA Briefing:

Hi Amata - DHS National Operations Center further update as of 6:21am (EDT)... President Obama signed the Disaster Declaration on 9/29, 6,000 utility customers continue without power, LBJ Tropical Medical Center has power and is operational. Both runways at Pago Pago International Airport are now open with reduced lighting capacity.

FEMA Regional IX will deploy IMAT teams from Hawaii and other west coast areas, and is deploying one Disaster Medical Task Force and one Disaster Mortuary Team Task Force.

Hawaii Air is sending an aircraft carrying relief supplies to Pago Pago, and is scheduled to arrive at approx 0400 EDT on Oct 1st. The flight is scheduled to be on the ground for about 2 hours and then return to Hawaii.

Aumua Amata's Tuesday Sept. 29 FEMA Update:

The following was sent out by U.S. Dept of Homeland Security's National Operations Center a short time ago.

FEMA reports that they are working with the AS Governor's staff to process a request for an Emergency Disaster Declaration to include Category A (debris removal) and B (emergency protective measures). In addition, an incident management assistant team (IMAT) will depart Honolulu tomorrow morning on a USCG vessel to deliver emergency supplies.

Status - Tafuna International Airport remains closed as they work to reopen both runways. The hospital has been impacted, but the extent is not yet known. Low lying coastal roads have either been washed out or are clogged with debris. One of the island's two major power plants is non-operational, leaving 60% of the island without power.

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