Emergency Assistance to the Independent State of Samoa for the Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster

October 3, 2009
Japanese

On October 3 (Sat), the Government of Japan decided to extend emergency assistance to the Independent State of Samoa, which suffered damages from a tsunami caused by the earthquake that occurred in the southeast portion of the Samoa Islands Region. The assistance includes items such as tents, blankets, plastic sheets, and sleeping mats equivalent to about 20 million JPY.
On September 29 (Tue) at 6:48 AM (September 30 [Wed] at 2:48 AM JST), an earthquake registering magnitude 8.3 occurred in Samoa. A tsunami struck the island of Upolu, where the capital city of Apia is located, resulting in devastation including houses washed away and the deaths of many residents. As of the afternoon of October 2 (Fri) Japan time, the Government of Samoa has confirmed 123 people dead and 310 wounded. It is reported that the member of the people affected by the disaster victims of the disaster totals more than 32,000 people, which is 18% of the total population.
Based on the request from the Government of Independent State of Samoa, the Government of Japan has decided to extend emergency assistance as humanitarian relief to the victims of the disaster, as well as in light of the cordial relations between Japan and Samoa.

(END)