How to contribute to post-tsunami efforts in Samoa

The recent tsunami crisis in Samoa – while small in comparison to Southeast Asia’s 2005 disaster – is still a heartbreaking, devastating trauma that continues to play itself out as time goes on. Last week, I read one story about a mother who lost her 6-year old daughter to the waves; her tiny hand slipped from her fingers and she was forced to watch her child get swept out to sea, only to be found dead days later.

These stories keep coming, and anyone with an ounce of humanity in their souls cannot help but feel torn apart for these families – these communities – half a world away.

While the Samoan government is working tirelessly to provide health care, food, water and basic household items to evacuees, the communities themselves are in dire need for both financial and “in-kind” contributions. All over the world, donations are coming from church organizations, businesses, schools and individuals.

Assistance has been received from the National University of Samoa, Church of Nazareth, and the Methodist Church of Samoa. Samoan communities in the United States (Samoan Community in Las Vegas and New Jersey) and New Zealand have indicated their support to the effort and have already started their relief drop-off centers.

Prime Minister, Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, personally visited the injured at a hospital, followed by government officials who distributed beddings, towels, tee-shirts, clothes, and food items. Such items were also given to other patients who were not Tsunami victims.

How you can help

While international agencies and governments continue to provide assistance such as water storage containers, sanitation facilities, shelter, water, food, building tools, and beddings to people affected by the tsunami, the government of Samoa has set up a special account with the ANZ Bank Samoa Limited to receive financial assistance from abroad and local sources.

All organizations, families, and individuals are advised to please use either of the two accounts detailed below to ensure all funds are safely kept and utilized specifically for the tsunami relief and recovery efforts:

Treasury Direct Transfer Account

Account Number: 1200033
Bank Swift Code: ANZBWSWW
Bank Address: ANZ (Samoa) Limited, Apia, Samoa

or:

Account Name: 2009 SamoaTsunami Relief and Rehabilitation
Account Number: 3826921.
Bank Swift Code: ANZBWSWW
Bank: ANZ (Samoa) Limited, Apia, Samoa

For more information, contact Ms. Vaosa Epa on 7770633 or 7520136 or visit www.samoa.travel. Photo courtesy of BBC.