From the National Park Service Morning Report, September 30:
Shortly before 7 a.m. yesterday morning, an earthquake with a magnitude between 8.0 and 8.3 struck 120 miles from American Samoa, a U. S. territory with a population of approximately 65,000 people. The earthquake was followed by a tsunami that produced several large waves that destroyed the park’s visitor center and offices.
Employees at the park fled uphill to escape the onshore surge. Some employees were overtaken by water, but were able to run through it to the safety of high ground. All employees and park volunteers are currently accounted for and safe.
At least one park employee’s residence was destroyed. Resource and facilities damage assessments are in progress. Personnel, including the Western All-Hazard Incident Management Team, are en route to provide assistance. FEMA is managing the overall response to this event. Fatality estimates for American Samoa range from one to several dozen people. [Submitted by Scott Wanek, Regional Chief Ranger, Pacific West Region]
From the October 1 Morning Report
Recovery operations continue at the National Park of American Samoa. Assisting are the Western Incident Management Team, two U.S. Public Health Service officers, two critical incident stress management counselors, three cultural resource specialists and an NPS special agent, all of whom are now in place on American Samoa.
Park employees are salvaging cultural resources and park files and equipment and moving them to secure storage. Salvage operations will continue through today. Park staff continue to periodically assist the USCG with rescue and body recovery operations as the need arises. As the park begins to finish its salvage operations, park employees will be made available to assist the broader FEMA-led territorial recovery operation.
The Hawaii Natural History Association has set up a Bank of Hawaii special donation account for assistance to park employees affected by this week’s natural disasters, as that bank’s branch in American Samoa survived without serious damage.
Those wishing to donate can make checks payable to: NPSA Employee Disaster Relief Fund, and for now, mail to: Hawaii Natural History Association, PO Box 74, Hawaii National Park, Hi 96718. Information on how to make donations directly to the bank will be posted when available.
The Pacific West Region and National Park of Samoa are grateful for all the offers of assistance that have poured in from around the country, including from many retired NPS employees. At this time, we are meeting our resource needs, but are keeping a list of those who have offered to assist. We will utilize that list should we require additional resources at a later time. [Submitted by Scott Wanek, Regional Chief Ranger]
Media reports estimate the death toll at about 150 people so far. That number is expected to rise as more areas are searched. After the earthquake the islands were engulfed by four tsunami waves 15 to 20 feet high that reached up to a mile inland. Some entire villages were washed away.
