American samoa tsunami 2009
On September 29, 2009 a magnitude 8.1 earthquake off the coast of the Samoan islands triggered a Tsunami that struck The islands of Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga. A team from CC Costa Mesa (Parakletos International) responded to American Samoa to help one of our churches, CC Samoa, with relief efforts. Although the west side of the island suffered very little damage the southeastern side of the island was very hard hit. As our team worked to clear debris, construct electrical drop boxes, and do temporary repairs on damaged homes, members of CC Samoa prepared and delivered hot meals to the victims. One day the tsunami alarm sounded and everyone grabbed, children and supplies and began running for the mountains. Our team helped by picking up children and whatever we could and made the climb with the villagers. It was heart wrenching to see the elderly and young crying as they made their way up the steep slope. As we on the slope of the mountain we were able, via satellite phone, to make contact back home and with NOAA. About about an hour, it was determined to be a false alarm. We were able to work very closely with a couple families in one village, building temporary living quarters and sharing about Christ’s love for them. A group of them drove all the way around the island to see our team off at the airport when we left, something the locals usually only did for family.