Key facts:
On the 29th of September 2009 at 6:48am local time, an 8.3 magnitude earthquake was measured at 15.559˚S, 172.093˚W, 195 km (125 miles) south of Apia, Samoa. The tsunami waves measuring 4.5m at peak first arrived at Pago Pago, American Samoa approximately 250 km from earthquake epicenter.
What natural and cultural characteristics make Samoa vulnerable to a Tsunami?
The Samoan islands have been produced by volcanism which means that Samoa is susceptible to volcanic activity and extreme natural events related to it. Samoa is vulnerable to tsunamis due to both natural and cultural characteristics. 70% of the population live on the coast which means that most of the population is at high risk of being affected by a tsunami.In the 2009 tsunami an estimated 5274 people lost their homes to the waves. Samoa is very low lying with its highest point being 2000m above sea level and it’s average height at 2.3 meters above sea level. Therefore, Samoa is vulnerable to tsunamis because there is little resistance e.g coves, offshore islands, so more destruction is caused. Samoa’s geographical positioning also makes it very susceptible to tsunamis as it is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire where the majority of the worlds volcanic activity exists. The timing of the tsunami put the people in more danger as it occurred at 6.48am when many people would have been inside and unaware of the approaching disaster, leaving little time to prepare. The majority of structures in Samoa are not suitable to withstand natural disasters. For example, most coastal buildings are huts which are weak, one story huts that cannot withstand the surge of water.
What natural processes produced the Tsunami event?
The 2009 tsunami occurred due to the tectonic movements of the Pacific plate subducting westward under the Indo-Australian plate. On the 29th of September 2009 the pressure built up was released and produced an 8.3 magnitude earthquake 18km below the earth’s surface. The earthquake was described as a ‘normal’ fault rupture on the outer rise of the subducting Pacific plate. Samoa was the worst affected by the quake as it was the closest to the epicenter. Many earthquakes occur on the Pacific and Australian plate boundaries because they are two of the plates that make up the Pacific Ring of Fire. 90% of the world’s earthquakes and 81% of the world’s largest earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire. This is the most active earthquake region in the world because of the large amounts of tectonic movement causing earthquakes and usually tsunamis.
What were the effects of the 2009 tsunami on the natural environment of Samoa?
The Samoa tsunami in September 2009 had many effects which changed the countries natural features both on the coastline and further inland. These effects include the sea grass beds at Alepiata beach being scoured and sediment plume and debris soiling the water, food sources such as shellfish being contaminated and habitats supporting marine life being contaminated. Coral was broken and reef beds demolished off the coast of Namua Island and the Safata mangroves were also damaged by the surge of water. Solid waste was dumped on the mangrove habitat in Lotopu’e as well. A septic tank exploded during the earthquake which polluted the natural environment in Vailoa. Illegal dumps containing plastic and glass bottles were exposed in Lalomanu which polluted the surrounding environment.
What were the effects of the 2009 tsunami on the cultural environments of Samoa?
The cultural side of Samoa was affected in many ways. Economically, Samoa was hit extremely hard. 65% of the nation’s income is from tourism. But with so many tourist resorts destroyed and the sense of disaster in the country, few holiday makers wanted to visit. Samoa lost millions or dollars from this and major unemployment and a loss of income occurred. The tsunami also damaged other businesses like the plantations in Solosolo, were destroyed when the tsunami caused landslides. The estimated recovery costs of Samoa were estimated at just under $150 million dollars. 862 buildings were destroyed including 11 schools with another 4 schools damaged.There was also destruction to the cultural societies out of Western Samoa. In Pago Pago, American Samoa, residents were without power, telephones, and treated water for several days. In Nuku’alofa, Tonga, officials were unable to land to assess the situation or provide help because the airstrip was too badly damaged. Emotionally, Samoa was extremely shaken by the tsunami. With a death toll of 143 grief was felt nationwide.
How did groups of people (local and international) respond to the tsunami event?
The New Zealand government not only gave $12 million is relief efforts but also dispatched many defence force resources including vehicles, morgues, staff and emergency equipment. The United States prepared 90 members of the Hawaiian national guard to assist in relief efforts and Australia sent medical staff and supplies to assist. In addition, there were many groups and individuals who raised money to contribute to the relief fund. Aid agencies such as Oxfam have been helping by building houses for residents who had their homes destroyed, sending in volunteers to clean up the trail of destruction left by the tsunami, and by providing emergency resources such as blankets, clothing, food and shelter. Other organizations who have assisted are FEMA, DW World, NZ Herald, Oxfam, Red Cross International, Unicef and ADRA.
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