GENERAL RELEASE
The Pacific Institute of Public Policy is deeply saddened to hear of the devastating news coming out of Samoa today. At this stage it is too early to state what the full impact of the disaster will be, but indications are of a significant human toll and destruction of physical infrastructure.
The earthquake was severe and the extent of damage from the tsunami is just beginning to be known. It is reported from sources on the ground in Apia that parts of the south side of Upolu have been severely affected. Access to these areas remains difficult due to the roads being impassable, but it appears that some villages may have been completely devastated. There have also been reports of extensive damage to hotels and tourist facilities on the south side of the island. A number of tourists are feared to be among the dead. More fatalities are expected as emergency services reach the affected areas.
There are also reports of humans casualties and extensive infrastructure damage in American Samoa including the fish cannery, which is a major source of employment for Samoans.
Mr Derek Brien, Deputy Executive Director of PiPP says “in a small communal society like Samoa it is the human cost that will be felt most immediately and will impact on communities across the Pacific, including New Zealand and Australia. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Samoan community at this difficult time”.
The impact on the nascent tourism industry will be a further blow to a country already suffering from the impact of the global financial crisis. Short term restoration of basic service issues and public health will be a priority. Mr Brien notes “at this stage the focus is very much on saving lives and after that, when more information becomes available, it will be possible to assess the full extent of the damage and look at ways to assist the people and Government of Samoa to recover from this disaster”.
