2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami

Last updated

2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami
Oceania laea relief location map.jpg
Bullseye1.png
UTC  time2009-09-29 17:48:10
ISC  event 15162203
USGS-ANSS ComCat
Local date29 September 2009 (2009-09-29)
Local time06:48:10
Magnitude8.1 Mw [1]
Depth15 km (9.3 mi) [1]
Epicenter 15°32′S171°52′W / 15.53°S 171.87°W / -15.53; -171.87 [1]
TypeFirst subevent Normal Second and third subevent Megathrust [2] [3]
Areas affected Samoa
American Samoa
Tonga
Cook Islands
Fiji
French Polynesia
New Zealand
Max. intensity MMI VI (Strong) [3]
TsunamiYes
Casualtiesat least 189 fatalities [4]
hundreds injured [5]

The 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami took place on 29 September 2009 in the southern Pacific Ocean adjacent to the Kermadec-Tonga subduction zone. The submarine earthquake occurred in an extensional environment and had a moment magnitude of 8.1 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VI (Strong). It was the largest earthquake of 2009. The earthquake initiated with a normal-faulting event with a magnitude of 8.1. [2] Within two minutes of the earthquake rupture, two large magnitude 7.8 earthquakes occurred on the subduction zone interface. The two magnitude 7.8 earthquakes had a combined magnitude equivalent to 8.0. [2] The event can be considered a doublet earthquake.

Contents

Normal and thrust faulting triggered a tsunami which caused substantial damage and loss of life in Samoa, American Samoa, and Tonga. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center recorded a 3-inch (76 mm) rise in sea levels near the epicenter, and New Zealand scientists determined that the waves measured 14 metres (46 ft) at their highest on the Samoan coast. [6] The quake occurred on the outer rise of the Kermadec-Tonga subduction zone. This is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates in the Earth's lithosphere meet and earthquakes and volcanic activity are common.

Countries affected by the tsunami, in the areas that were hit are American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga (Niuatoputapu) where more than 189 people were killed, especially children, most of them in Samoa. [7] Large waves with no major damage were reported on the coasts of Fiji, the northern coast of New Zealand [8] and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. People took precautions in the low-lying atolls of Tokelau and moved to higher ground. Niue was reported as reasonably safe because it is high. There were no reports of high waves from Vanuatu, Kiribati, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. [9]

American Samoa

Crews working near the damage from the tsunami in American Samoa Crews Damage from Tsunami American Samoa.jpg
Crews working near the damage from the tsunami in American Samoa

The Los Angeles Times , quoting a source at the National Park of American Samoa, reported that "four tsunami waves, 15 to 20 ft (4.6 to 6 m) high", and "reaching up to a mile (1.6 km) inland" hit American Samoa shortly after the earthquake. [10] The water flowed inland about 100 yd (100 m) before receding, leaving some cars stuck in the mud. [10] Damage to the National Park's natural reserves and the destruction of its visitor center and main offices have been reported, while only 20% of the park's 40 to 50 employees and volunteers had been found. [10]

A beach village was reported to have been "wiped out", killing at least 14 people after the earthquake had sent residents fleeing for higher ground. [4] Large numbers of American Samoans were said to have been left injured or homeless. [11]

Confirmed death tolls rose to 22 people, with many people still missing in the villages of Leone and Pago Pago. [12]

A Radio New Zealand International correspondent reported that the center of Pago Pago, the largest city in American Samoa, had sustained heavy damage in the tsunami, with its main street flooded, cars overturned, and shoreline businesses damaged. He "also witnessed looting in one of the stores". [11]

American Samoa Governor Togiola Tulafono was in Honolulu, Hawaii for an ocean policy conference at the time of the tsunami struck. [13] Tulafono was monitoring events in American Samoa, but was having difficulties reaching the territory because of communications failures. [10] He told reporters that because of the tight knit communities and strong family bonds, "I don't think anybody is going to be spared this disaster." [13] Tulafono departed Hawaii for American Samoa on a United States Coast Guard supply flight from Honolulu on the evening of 29 September.

Security camera footage of the tsunami surging through a parking lot in Pago Pago.

Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia announced that the earthquake had caused severe damage to American Samoa's electrical infrastructure. [12] The main electricity generator in Satala had been damaged, which knocked out power from the central village of Faga'alu across Tutuila to the eastern village of Onenoa. [12] The Satala electrical plant may be out of service for a month or more until repairs can be made, with the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) stating that power would be out indefinitely. [12] A new power plant at Satala was expected to be commissioned on 25 May 2017. [14] Electricity was also out on the islands of Ofu-Olosega, in the Manu'a Islands Group, and a government plane has been sent to assess damage on Ofu. [12]

The water system was also damaged in the earthquake, and the supply of fresh water to eastern parts of American Samoa has been disrupted due to broken water lines. [12] The water division of the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) announced that it will bring water in tanker trucks to affected villages. [12] Residents were warned to conserve and boil water until safe drinking water supplies can be restored, which could take some time. [12]

U.S. President Barack Obama declared a major disaster in American Samoa, allowing federal funds to be used for rescues, life support, and public health and safety measures. [15] Among the initial U.S. government response was a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) logistics team and staff from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Coast Guard, Federal Aviation Administration, and Department of Defense. Also, basic needs and basic commodities, including electrical generators, medical supplies, and pharmaceutical drugs were sent out, and multiple planes are being prepared for more cargo and personnel, including FEMA, HHS, and Coast Guard staff and experts from the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Red Cross. [16] The USS Ingraham (FFG-61) arrived in American Samoa on 30 September and assisted recovery efforts with its two Seahawk helicopters. [17]

Samoa

Samoa evacuated people from the entire city of Apia, the country's capital city on the island of Upolu and moving thousands of residents to higher ground. [18] Journalist Cherelle Jackson reported that the city quickly emptied in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, "All the schools, workplaces everyone has walked up – it's like a ghost town." [18]

Twenty villages on Upolu south side were reportedly destroyed, including Lepā, the home of Samoa's Prime Minister [19] Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. In Lepā, only the church and the village's welcome sign remained standing following the tsunami. [20] The hardest hit areas in Samoa appear to be Fagaloa Bay on the east coast of Upolu, Lalomanu on the south east coast, and along the rest of the southern coast of the island, [18] with one hospital in Apia reporting it had received 79 bodies. [21] The village of Poutasi on the south west coast of Upolu was reported with extensive damage in a TVNZ news item, along with its neighbouring Villages of Satalo and Salani being completely wiped out. [22] A mother at the Taufua Beach Fales in Lalomanu watched her three young children swept away by the tsunami. [23] Elsewhere there were reports of landslides near Solosolo and damage to plantations near Apia. [24]

A number of tourist resorts are located on Upolu's south coast. These include Coconuts Beach Resort [25] and Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa [26] in the village of Siumu. Both resorts published tsunami updates on their websites. The Sa'Moana Resort is in the village of Salamumu. [27]

The eastern part of the island remains without power or water supplies after the earthquake. [21]

A Red Cross worker reported to Radio New Zealand that waves 10 feet (3 m) high had flattened beachside resorts on Upolu, [28] and that residents told him the tourist zone of Lalomanu had been crushed by a wall of water about 20–30 ft (6.1–9.1 m) high. [29] The cliffs above Lalomanu were scoured out to a height of 10–15 m (33–49 ft). [30]

Power outages were reported, and phone lines were jammed. [31] Samoan officials confirmed the runway at Faleolo International Airport on Upolu was safe by early afternoon (30 September 2009).

Samoan Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, and his Deputy Prime Minister Misa Telefoni Retzlaff were in Auckland, New Zealand, at the time of the earthquake. Both political leaders immediately returned to Samoa. Prime Minister Malielegaoi lost two relatives in the tsunami, including the daughter of one of his nieces. [32]

The Prime Minister made his first address to the nation, after the tsunami, on 1 October. [33] The Government of Samoa estimates the damage at US$147.25 million. [34]

On 2 October 2009, an estimated 3,000 people were homeless and seeking refuge in shelters set up around the worst-affected villages. [35] New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully visited Apia to co-ordinate New Zealand's emergency relief effort. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key arrived in Samoa on 3 October and visited some of the most damaged areas on Upolu including the villages of Poutasi and Lalolamu. [36]

The Samoa government and the people of Samoa held a national funeral at Apia Park for tsunami victims on 8 October 2009 (Samoa local time). [37]

Tonga

Animation of the tsunami's propagation.
Niuatoputapu before the tsunami. (Vegetation is red, bare ground is pale blue-grey, clouds and breaking waves are white or cyan.) Earthquake off Samoa Generates Tsunami (Before).jpg
Niuatoputapu before the tsunami. (Vegetation is red, bare ground is pale blue-grey, clouds and breaking waves are white or cyan.)
Niuatoputapu after the tsunami. Earthquake off Samoa Generates Tsunami (After).jpg
Niuatoputapu after the tsunami.

The main impact in Tonga was in the northern part of the island kingdom where there were deaths, injuries and extensive damage [38] on Niuatoputapu, a flat coral island [39] 500 km north of the main island Tongatapu, and reportedly closest to the epicentre of the earthquake. The death toll on the island has risen to nine. [40] A Tongan government spokesman Alfred Soakai said 90% of homes had been destroyed as well as serious damage to the hospital. [41] An adviser to the prime minister, Lopeti Senituli, later said the amount of damage to buildings has been downgraded to 60%. [42] There are three main villages on Niuatoputapu: Hihifo and Falehau, which were hit by three waves, some 6m high, and the village of Vaipoa, which received less damage. [43] A new school building remained standing and provided some shelter. The island is isolated with a population of around 1,000 people. Approximately 192 families were left homeless and the homes of 143 additional families were damaged in the tsunami in the villages of Hihifo, Falehau and Vaipoa. [44] 289 families lived in residences which escaped damage in the disaster. [44]

Other reports outlined coastal damage from a 13-foot (4.0 m) wave on the islands. [10] Other media had earlier reported 10 people killed in Tonga. [45] Three people are missing and four sustained serious injuries. [46] Earlier, a government plane sent to the island could not land due to tsunami damage at Niuatoputapu Airport, which had been forced to close. [46] Tonga's acting Prime Minister Lord Tuita said the government is sending a second plane to Niuatoputapu, but that communication links have been damaged. [46]

The government appealed for clothing and bedding donations for residents in Niuatoputapu. [46]

Relief efforts undertaken by the Tongan government and Red Cross focused on Niuatoputapu, with support from Australia, New Zealand and France. A United Nations coordinator was scheduled to travel to Tonga to support early recovery initiatives in areas such as 'health, sanitation, water, infrastructure, psychological support, agriculture and fishing'. [34]

There were no reports of any damage to Vavaʻu island group or to the main island of Tongatapu, where the capital, Nukuʻalofa, is. [46]

French Polynesia

French Polynesia escaped much of the damage inflicted against other Polynesian countries and territories by the earthquake. Concern centered on the Marquesas Islands, the northernmost archipelago in French Polynesia. [47] Unlike the other islands of French Polynesia, the Marquesas have no protective coral reefs which would absorb the impact of a potential tsunami. [47]

French High Commissioner Adolphe Colrat warned residents of the Marquesas to seek shelter at an elevation of at least 10 m (33 ft) above sea level. Residents across French Polynesia were advised to avoid valleys and bays, tie up watercraft and listen to Réseau France Outre-mer (RFO) for further instruction. [47]

In the Marquesas Islands, some bays were nearly emptied of their water before a wave crashed back in and refilled the area. [47] Boats in the region immediately left port once the warning was issued. The cargo and passenger ship Aranui 3 , which had been docked in Taiohae Bay on Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas, the area most impacted by a small tsunami wave, immediately evacuated the bay for open water. [47]

Outside of the Marquesas, the threat of a tsunami largely passed without much incidence. The government had initially feared a wave of approximately 90 cm (35 in), with the ability to strike all parts of the sprawling territory. [47] Five small tsunami waves, measuring 25–70 cm (10–28 in) were recorded off the coast of Papeete, Tahiti, between 11:10 am and 12 noon local time on Tuesday. [47] The first tsunami wave at 11:10 am measured 25 cm (10 in), while the second recorded wave was measured at 35 cm (14 in) at 11:23 am [47] The waves gradually increased in size, with the fifth, and last wave, being recorded at 70 cm (28 in) tall at 12:03 pm. [47]

The Colombian Navy training ship Gloria, also left Papeete Harbor in Tahiti once the warning was issued as a precaution. [47] Residents of the Society Islands, which include the tourist resort areas of Tahiti and Moorea, were advised to move above 5 m (16 ft) above sea level, for safety. [47]

High Commissioner Adolphe Colrat cancelled the tsunami red alert at 12:03 pm on Tuesday for all areas of French Polynesia except the Marquesas. [47] The alert for the Marquesas Islands was extended 2:50 pm until the threat had passed. [47]

French Polynesian President Oscar Temaru wrote to the heads of American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga offering support following the tsunami, [48] "On behalf of the people and the government of French Polynesia, I would like to convey our most sincere expression of condolence and solidarity in the wake of the Tsunami that just hit your people...We have, within the FRANZ framework decided to send both human and material help. 1 doctor, 2 nurses and one logistics expert, all members of our emergency medical staff will carry a total of 600 kg [sic] of medical material that will be dispatched locally by the FRANZ authorities." [48] FRANZ stands for France, Australia and New Zealand, three large countries who traditionally provide aid in Oceania following natural disasters. [48]

The Guardian reported 189 deaths; 149 in Samoa, 31 American Samoa, 9 Tonga (2 October 2009). [49]

Tsunami memorial

Following the 1st anniversary of February 2011 earthquake memorial in Christchurch, a memorial dedicated to the tsunami victims was erected in the village of Leone, American Samoa on 25 February 2012. Leone, a small village on a bay was, particularly hard-hit. The monument is called the Healing Garden. [50]

International aid

Governments

FEMA generators being unloaded. FEMA - 42046 - Emergency Generators being unloaded from a C-17 in American Samoa.jpg
FEMA generators being unloaded.
A fire truck for the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority. Samoa5 (10718914923).jpg
A fire truck for the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority.

New Zealand dispatched RNZAF P-3 Orions to assess the damage and search for bodies. An RNZAF C-130 Hercules with medical staff and supplies, makeshift morgues, stretchers, tents and food was sent on the 30th. A further 7 RNZAF and 2 Royal Australian Air Force Hercules flights were made, and a RAAF C-17 Globemaster also provided airlift support to ferry relief supplies. These were distributed within the islands by RNZAF Bell UH-1H helicopters. [51] Air New Zealand arranged for larger Boeing 777 aircraft to carry in relief workers and evacuate tourists to Auckland, and fly the Samoan Prime Minister back to his country. The New Zealand helicopter carrying ship HMNZS Canterbury was sent to Samoa (also offloading aid and personnel in Tonga). [52] [53] [54] The New Zealand government also pledged over NZ$12 million for relief efforts. [55]

The United States sent the US Navy frigate USS Ingraham, two US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 154th Wing, and 90 members of the Hawaii National Guard to American Samoa to assist in the relief efforts there. [56] The US Army Corps of Engineers, Army Geospatial Center, prepared an emergency webpage for geological, hydrological and trafficability information for relief engineering and humanitarian aid.

Australia sent teams of paramedics, doctors, nurses and search and rescue specialists with essential supplies like tents and medicine. [57]

Other aid came from concerned individuals and groups throughout the world, namely New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Canada. [58]

Aid agencies

Emergency relief funds for donations

Tsunami warnings

Tsunami travel times from epicentre (in hrs) Samoa tsunami travel times.jpg
Tsunami travel times from epicentre (in hrs)

A tsunami warning was initially issued for American Samoa, Samoa, Niue, Wallis and Futuna, Tokelau, the Cook Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Kermadec Islands, Fiji, Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Palmyra Island, Vanuatu, Nauru, Marshall Islands, and Solomon Islands. [71] Most of the warnings were called off once it was clear that the tsunami threat had passed. [71] Officials in the Cook Islands, which hosted the 2009 Pacific Mini Games, noted that the tsunami passed without any damage to the country. [71]

A tsunami warning remained in effect for the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia, as five main waves were expected to strike that archipelago. [71] Warnings also remained in Tuvalu, one of the lowest lying countries in the world. [71]

Local radio stations in Tonga broadcast warnings that a tsunami was possible and that people should move away from coastal villages.

A tsunami watch was issued for islands farther from the epicenter, including Hawaii and Papua New Guinea, but not for California, USA. [72] Officials were determining whether the tsunami could reach Hawaii, the center said. It was possible that a strongly decreased wave could reach Hawaii. [73]

A tsunami advisory was issued for coastal California and the San Francisco Bay Area beginning at 9:00 pm local time as a precaution. [74] [75]

Aftershocks

There were more than 40 total aftershocks with a magnitude greater than 5.0 in the 48 hours after the mainshock. [76] [77]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Upolu</span> Island in Samoa

Upolu is an island in Samoa, formed by a massive basaltic shield volcano which rises from the seafloor of the western Pacific Ocean. The island is 75 kilometres long and 1,125 square kilometres in area, making it the second largest of the Samoan Islands by area. With approximately 145,000 inhabitants, it is by far the most populous of the Samoan Islands. Upolu is situated to the southeast of Savai'i, the "big island". Apia, the capital, is in the middle of the north coast, and Faleolo International Airport at the western end of the island. The island has not had any historically recorded eruptions, although there is evidence of three lava flows, dating back only to between a few hundred and a few thousand years ago.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samoan Islands</span> Archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean

The Samoan Islands are an archipelago covering 3,030 km2 (1,170 sq mi) in the central South Pacific, forming part of Polynesia and of the wider region of Oceania. Administratively, the archipelago comprises all of the Independent State of Samoa and most of American Samoa. The land masses of the two Samoan jurisdictions are separated by 64 km (40 mi) of ocean at their closest points.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Niuatoputapu</span> Island of Tonga

Niuatoputapu is a volcanic island in the island nation of Tonga, Pacific Ocean. Its highest point is 157 metres (515 ft), and its area is 16 square kilometres (6.2 sq mi). Its name means sacred island. Older names for the island are Traitors Island or Keppel Island.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Heta</span>

Severe Tropical Cyclone Heta was a Category 5 tropical cyclone that caused moderate damage to the islands of Tonga, Niue, and American Samoa during late December 2003 and early January 2004. Heta formed on December 25, 2003; it reached a maximum intensity of 260 km/h (160 mph) and an estimated pressure of 915 hPa before dissipating on January 11, 2004. It was the first named tropical cyclone to form during the 2003–04 South Pacific cyclone season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Faleolo International Airport</span> Airport near Apia, Samoa

Faleolo International Airport is an airport located 40 kilometres (25 mi) west of Apia, the capital of Samoa. Until 1984, Faleolo could not accommodate jets larger than a Boeing 737. Services to the United States, Australia, or New Zealand, could only land at Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa. Since the airport's expansion, most international traffic now uses Faleolo.

Niuatoputapu Airport, also known as Mata'aho Airport, is an airport in Niuatoputapu, Tonga. The airfield is an unsealed coral strip.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Urmil</span> Category 2 South Pacific cyclone in 2006

Tropical Cyclone Urmil was a short lived storm of January 2006 that explosively intensified to reach its peak intensity as a high-end Category 2 cyclone on the Australian Scale, just 12 hours after being named. Forming out of a tropical disturbance early on January 14, Urmil quickly intensified before weakening just as quickly. The intensification was a result of the main convective banding feature wrapping around the center of circulation. However, the combination of high wind shear and the rapid movement of the cyclone caused convection to become separated from the center. By January 15, the storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone shortly before dissipating. Urmil had only minor effects on land; scattered vegetation damage was reported in Tonga.

Poutasi is a village on the south east coast of Upolu island in Samoa. The population is 395. The village is part of Falealili Electoral Constituency in the larger political district of Atua. Poutasi was extensively damaged by the 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hihifo</span>

Hihifo is the main village on the island of Niuatoputapu in the Kingdom of Tonga. Hihifo is situated on the west side of Niuatoputapu and is the main centre for public and government facilities that serve the island residents, including a post office and police station. The other two villages on Niuatoputapu are Falehau and Vaipoa.

Falehau is a village on the island of Niuatoputapu in Tonga. The population is 218.

Vaipoa is one of three villages on the island of Niuatoputapu in Tonga. The population is 172.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Waka</span> Category 4 South Pacific cyclone in 2001 and 2002

Severe Tropical Cyclone Waka was one of the most destructive tropical cyclones ever to affect the nation of Tonga. Waka originated within the near-equatorial trough in mid-December 2001, although the system remained disorganized for more than a week. The storm gradually matured and attained tropical cyclone status on December 29, 2001. Subsequently, Waka underwent rapid intensification in which it attained its peak intensity as a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone on December 31, with winds of 185 km/h (115 mph). Shortly thereafter, it passed directly over Vavaʻu, Tonga, resulting in widespread damage. By January 1, 2002, the cyclone began to weaken as it underwent an extratropical transition. The remnants of Waka persisted for several more days and were last observed near the Southern Ocean on January 6, 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Val</span> South Pacific cyclone in 1991

Severe Tropical Cyclone Val was considered to be the worst tropical cyclone to affect the Samoan Islands since the 1889 Apia cyclone. The system was first identified during the opening days of December 1991, as a small circulation, within the Intertropical Convergence Zone to the north of Tokelau. Over the next few days, the system moved westwards towards Rotuma and Tuvalu and gradually developed further, before it was named Val on December 5, after it had become a category 1 tropical cyclone on the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale. The system subsequently continued to intensify as it moved towards the Samoan Islands and peaked as a category 4 severe tropical cyclone, as it made landfall on the island of Savaii on December 6. After Val had passed over the island, weakening upper-level winds caused the system to slow down before it made a sharp clockwise loop which almost brought it over Savaii for a second time.

The 1953 Suva earthquake occurred on 14 September at 00:26 UTC near Suva, Fiji, just off the southeast shore of Viti Levu. This earthquake had an estimated magnitude of Ms 6.8 and Mw 6.4. The earthquake triggered a coral reef platform collapse and a submarine landslide that caused a tsunami. Eight people were reported killed.

The 1917 Samoa earthquake affected the Samoan Islands, on June 26, 1917, at 18:49. The epicenter of the magnitude 8.0 was located in the southwest of the Samoan Islands. It was described as the worst earthquake in Samoa in 50 years. Though there were no casualties, residents on the island were frightened by the tsunami and sought refuge in higher ground. The earthquake damaged two churches and several homes. A tsunami also flooded the islands and washed away homes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Ofa</span>

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ofa was a powerful tropical cyclone that caused severe damage in Polynesia in February 1990. The system was first noted on January 27, 1990, near Tuvalu, as a shallow tropical depression that had developed within the South Pacific Convergence Zone. The cloud pattern slowly organized, and on January 31, while located east of Tuvalu, Ofa attained cyclone intensity. Moving slowly southeast, Ofa developed storm-force winds. It attained hurricane-force winds on February 2. Cyclone Ofa reached peak intensity on February 4. Shortly after, its peak Ofa began to weaken over a less favourable environment. Ofa was declared an extratropical cyclone on February 8, though the system was still tracked by meteorologists until February 10.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Ron</span> Strongest tropical cyclone on record to impact Tonga

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ron was a powerful tropical cyclone that became the strongest on record to impact Tonga. The system was first noted as a tropical depression, to the northeast of Samoa on January 1, 1998. Over the next day the system gradually developed further and was named Ron as it developed into a Category 1 tropical cyclone on the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale during the next day. The system subsequently continued to move south-westwards and became a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone, as it passed near Swains Island during January 3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Gita</span> Strong tropical cyclone which affected Tonga

Severe Tropical Cyclone Gita was the most intense tropical cyclone to impact Tonga since reliable records began. The second named storm and first major tropical cyclone of the 2017–18 South Pacific cyclone season, Gita originated from a monsoon trough that was active in the South Pacific in early February 2018. First classified as a tropical disturbance on 3 February, the nascent system meandered near Vanuatu for several days with little development. After acquiring a steady east trajectory near Fiji, it organized into a Category 1 tropical cyclone on 9 February near Samoa. Arcing south in a clockwise turn, the system rapidly intensified, and became a severe tropical cyclone on 10 February near Niue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption and tsunami</span> Volcanic event in the South Pacific Ocean

In December 2021, an eruption began on Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai, a submarine volcano in the Tongan archipelago in the southern Pacific Ocean. The eruption reached a very large and powerful climax nearly four weeks later, on 15 January 2022. Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai is 65 kilometres (40 mi) north of Tongatapu, the country's main island, and is part of the highly active Tonga–Kermadec Islands volcanic arc, a subduction zone extending from New Zealand to Fiji. On the Volcanic Explosivity Index scale, the eruption was rated at least a VEI-5. Described by scientists as a "magma hammer", the volcano at its height produced a series of four underwater thrusts, displaced 10 cubic kilometres (2.4 cu mi) of rock, ash and sediment, and generated the largest atmospheric explosion recorded by modern instrumentation.

References

  1. 1 2 3 ISC (2015), ISC-GEM Global Instrumental Earthquake Catalogue (1900–2009), Version 2.0, International Seismological Centre
  2. 1 2 3 Thorne Lay; Charles J. Ammon; Hiroo Kanamori; Luis Rivera; Keith D. Koper; Alexander R. Hutko (2010). "The 2009 Samoa–Tonga great earthquake triggered doublet". Nature. 466 (7309): 964–968. Bibcode:2010Natur.466..964L. doi:10.1038/nature09214. PMID   20725038. S2CID   205221482.
  3. 1 2 "M8.1 – Samoa Islands region". United States Geological Survey.
  4. 1 2 "tvnz.co.nz-Search continues as death rises". tvnz.co.nz. 2 October 2009. Archived from the original on 6 October 2009. Retrieved 2 October 2009.
  5. ↑ Perry, Michael (29 September 2009). "Samoa tsunami toll may exceed 100, hundreds injured". Reuters. Archived from the original on 3 October 2009. Retrieved 29 September 2009.
  6. ↑ Field, Michael (4 December 2009). "Pacific tsunami four storeys high". New Zealand: Stuff. Retrieved 5 December 2009.
  7. ↑ "Search for bodies continue, death toll rises in South Pacific | NATIONAL News". Archived from the original on 6 October 2009. Retrieved 2 October 2009.
  8. ↑ "Pacific tsunamis: Countries hit". BBC News. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 3 October 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  9. ↑ "Waves hit Tonga, damage but no casualties". New Zealand: Stuff. 30 September 2009. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 Sagapolutele, Fili (2 October 2009). "Tsunami toll expected to rise in Samoan islands". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press.
  11. 1 2 "Samoa disaster toll soars". Radio New Zealand International. Associated Press. 30 September 2009. Retrieved 29 September 2009.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "8.0 quake hits Samoa islands". Samoa News . 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 2 October 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  13. 1 2 "More than 110 dead in tsunami-hit Samoa". Stuff. 29 September 2009. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
  14. ↑ "Commissioaing date for Satala Power Plant May 25th".
  15. ↑ "President Declares Major Disaster For Territory of American Samoa". Federal Emergency Management Agency. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 8 October 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  16. ↑ "Federal Coordinating Officer Lands in American Samoa". Federal Emergency Management Agency. 30 September 2009. Archived from the original on 1 October 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  17. ↑ "Fact sheet – American Samoa tsunami response situational overview, 01 Oct 2009". ReliefWeb. 1 October 2009. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  18. 1 2 3 "At least seven dead after quake, tsunami hit Samoa". The New Zealand Herald. 30 September 2009. Retrieved 29 September 2009.
  19. ↑ Baris Atayman (29 September 2009). "Tsunami smashes Pacific islands, over 100 feared dead". windsorstar.com. Archived from the original on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  20. ↑ McClean, Tamara (2 October 2009). "Searching ruins for reason to live after the tsunami". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. Archived from the original on 12 October 2009. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
  21. 1 2 Nicholson, Brendan (30 September 2009). "Two Australians dead, grave fears for others as Samoan tsunami toll rises". The Age. Melbourne. Archived from the original on 31 December 2012. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  22. ↑ "Samoa tsunami toll may exceed 100". tvnz.co.nz. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 12 March 2011. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  23. ↑ Tapaleao, Vaimoana (1 October 2009). "'All three of them gone' – mother sees children swept away". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2009.
  24. ↑ Fili Sagapolutele (29 June 2009). "Residents flee tsunami after strong quake in Samoa". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 3 October 2009. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
  25. ↑ "Samoa Earthquake/Tsunami – #Update 1". coconutsbeachclubsamoa.com. 29 September 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  26. ↑ "Talofa Lava – Welcome to Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa". sinalei.ws. 29 September 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  27. ↑ "Sa'Moana Resort, South Coast, Upolu Island". samoa-hotels.ws. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 3 October 2009. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
  28. ↑ Scores Die as Tsunami Hits Samoa Islands , Meriah Foley in The New York Times online edition. Published 30 September 2009. Retrieved d.d. 30 September 2009.
  29. ↑ Audio interview with Sati Young Archived 25 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine , Checkpoint, Radio New Zealand, 30 September 2009. Quake triggers deadly tsunamis in Pacific, Radio New Zealand, 1 October 2009.
  30. ↑ Kirsty Johnston, Tsunami: reality worse than predicted, Taranaki Daily News, 6 October 2009.
  31. ↑ "Tsunami Sweeps Through Pago Pago;63 Dead". kgmb9.com. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 4 October 2009. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
  32. ↑ Ah Mu, Alan (1 October 2009). "PM lost two relatives". Samoa Observer . Archived from the original on 20 February 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
  33. ↑ Cherelle Jackson (2 October 2009). "Samoa's Prime Minister in grief as nation mourns". The New Zealand Herald . Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  34. 1 2 "Samoa: Samoa/Tonga: Tsunami OCHA Situation Report No. 5". ReliefWeb. 4 October 2009. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  35. ↑ "Up to six NZers feared dead in tsunami". The New Zealand Herald. 2 October 2009. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2009.
  36. ↑ "John Key arrives in Samoa". Television New Zealand . 3 October 2009. Archived from the original on 5 October 2012. Retrieved 14 September 2011.
  37. ↑ "pacificeyewitness.org". pacificeyewitness.org. 27 January 2012. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  38. ↑ "Ten killed in Tonga following tsunami". New Zealand: Stuff. 30 September 2009. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  39. ↑ "Tonga Airports Limited – Airport Info > Niuatoputapu – Mata'aho Airport". Archived from the original on 21 April 2009. Retrieved 2 October 2009.
  40. ↑ "Teams arrive on Tonga's Niuatoputapu at epicentre". Archived from the original on 5 October 2009. Retrieved 2 October 2009.
  41. ↑ "The death toll on a remote Tongan island has risen to nine". Archived from the original on 9 October 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2009.
  42. ↑ "Title Unknown". 2 October 2009. Archived from the original on 3 October 2009. Retrieved 2 October 2009.
  43. ↑ Tahana, Yvonne (2 October 2009). "Teams reach Tongan victims – Samoa tsunami – NZ Herald News". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2009.
  44. 1 2 "Service held in Tonga for tsunami victims". Radio New Zealand International . 5 October 2009. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
  45. ↑ "Tonga reports tsunami deaths". Australia: ABC. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 4 October 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  46. 1 2 3 4 5 "Seven confirmed dead from tsunami in Tonga". Radio New Zealand International. Associated Press. 30 September 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  47. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 "Papeete measures 5 small waves during tsunami red alert". Tahitipress . 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 3 October 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  48. 1 2 3 "French Polynesia will help islands hit by tsunami". Tahitipress . 30 September 2009. Archived from the original on 8 October 2009. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
  49. ↑ Toni O'Loughlin (2 October 2009). "Surfer survived Samoa tsunami by riding out the waves". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 6 October 2009. Retrieved 3 October 2009.
  50. ↑ "American Samoa remembers 2009 tsunami". Radio New Zealand. 26 September 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  51. ↑ "ADF responds to Samoan earthquake". 1 October 2009. Archived from the original on 5 October 2009. Retrieved 1 October 2009.
  52. ↑ "Latest updates: Tsunami disaster". The New Zealand Herald. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  53. 1 2 Field, Michael (7 October 2009). "PM John Key to view Samoan damage". New Zealand: Stuff. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  54. ↑ "PM John Key to view Samoan damage | Stuff.co.nz". Archived from the original on 4 October 2009. Retrieved 2 October 2009.
  55. ↑ Xinhua, [New Zealand to provide 2.9 mln USD extra aid to Samoa New Zealand to provide 2.9 mln USD extra aid to Samoa], ReliefNet, 6 November 2009.
  56. ↑ "Hawaii Guard, Navy bound for American Samoa". Navy Times. 1 October 2009. Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2009.
  57. ↑ "Tsunami toll could have been worse: Samoan PM". Australia: ABC News. Archived from the original on 4 October 2009. Retrieved 2 October 2009.
  58. ↑ "Aid from far-off Canada". Samoa Observer. 26 October 2009. Archived from the original on 5 March 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2010.
  59. ↑ Nick Iliev (30 September 2009). "EC announces aid for Samoan tsunami victims – Foreign". The Sofia Echo. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  60. ↑ "Samoa Tsunami: Oxfam ready to respond". oxfam.org.au. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 9 October 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  61. ↑ "NZ Red Cross Aid Worker And Equipment to Samoa". scoop.co.nz. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 1 October 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  62. ↑ "Statement on American Samoa from FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate". ReliefWeb. 30 September 2009. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
  63. ↑ "LDS Church continues Samoan relief efforts". Deseret News. 2 October 2009. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  64. ↑ "National Next of Kin Registry (NOKR) offers assistance". SamoaNews.com. 30 September 2009. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
  65. ↑ "ADRA NZ » Blog Archive » Samoa Disaster: ADRA Visits Villages, Meets Survivors". Adra.org.nz. 3 October 2009. Archived from the original on 25 May 2010. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  66. ↑ "ADRA Responds to Disasters in Pacific". Adra.org.au. 2 October 2009. Archived from the original on 24 February 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  67. ↑ "Samoa appeal closes topping $3.5 million". New Zealand Red Cross. Archived from the original on 25 January 2010. Retrieved 14 January 2010.
  68. ↑ "Oxfam sets up rapid response emergency fund for Samoa". pacific.scoop.co.nz. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 23 May 2010. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  69. ↑ "Pacific Disasters Appeal". Adra.worldsecuresystems.com. Archived from the original on 27 February 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  70. ↑ "ADRA NZ » One off Donation". Adra.org.nz. Archived from the original on 24 February 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  71. 1 2 3 4 5 "Tsunami Claims Lives in Samoa, Warning Called Off for Most Countries in Region". Solomon Times Online . 30 September 2009. Retrieved 29 September 2009.
  72. ↑ "TSUNAMI BULLETIN NUMBER 001 – PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER/NOAA/NWS – ISSUED AT 1804Z SEP 29, 2009". prh.noaa.gov. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 2 October 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  73. ↑ "Quake, tsunami near American Samoa kills at least 22". CNN. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 2 October 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  74. ↑ Colliver, Victoria (29 September 2009). "Tsunami advisory issued for Bay Area". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on 2 October 2009. Retrieved 29 September 2009.
  75. ↑ Blankenship, Andrew; Esquivel, Paloma (29 September 2009). "Highest tides expected near Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo as tsunami advisory prompts L.A. beach closures". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 5 October 2009. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
  76. ↑ "Earthquake List for Map of S Pacific Region". United States Geological Survey. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 4 October 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  77. ↑ "Earthquake List for Map of S Pacific Region". United States Geological Survey. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 7 October 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.