Samoans need help as relief work continues

A first look at the first day of disaster

It is never too late to help and no help is enough.

That is the simple message from organisations and individuals who have been mobilising financial and material resources to support the victims of the tsunami that destroyed lives and property in Samoa recently.

According to a National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) and The Institute of Geological and Nuclear Science (GNS) report released on December 5, more than 180 people died in the tsunami that struck Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga on September 29. The disaster followed a massive earthquake (8.3 on the Richter Scale) in the Tonga Ranch.

It was nearly four storeys high, the scientists, who visited the affected areas, said.

The earthquake, which occurred about 190 kilometres from the Samoan capital of Apia, generated three massive waves that led to much of the destruction.

The tsunami reached 14 metres above the mean sea level in Samoa, reaching 700 metres inland.

“The first wave arrived in Samoa 10 minutes after the quake, and then hit American Samoa 10 minutes later. This size of tsunami is also possible for New Zealand, equivalent to about a one-in-500 year event for the most populated parts,” the scientists said.

A compassionate community

We have known the Samoan community to be compassionate, caring and ready to help anyone in times of need. This spirit of solidarity became evident soon after disaster struck in Samoa almost four months ago.

We understand that people of Samoan origin living in New Zealand quickly got together to raise resources to assist victims in Samoa with essential supplies including food, medicines and other items.

It did not matter whether the affected persons belonged to their immediately family or not, for they relate everyone to the “human family.”

Special functions, concerts and public meetings were used to raise funds.

Among those who have spent tireless efforts, time and money are Taufil Omar, Principal of Kiwi Lawyers, a law firm based in Otahuhu (South Auckland) and Barrister Aarif Rasheed, a criminal lawyer based in Auckland City.

According to a professional publication, the two lawyers were aiming to bring relief to at least 1000 affected families in Samoa, hoping to provide each of them with a food pack, each costing $110.

Both lawyers visited Samoa less than 24 hours after tsunami hit the South Pacific nation to assess the damage and identify the resources needed to help victims.

“They delivered initial aid, helped with preliminary clean-up work and assessed the assistance needed in the immediate future,” the publication said.

Sometime ago, Mr Rasheed established the Rasheed Memorial Trust, in memory of his father Abdul Rahim Rasheed, who was also a lawyer based in Auckland.

Coordinating relief efforts to Samoan victims through the Trust, he and others collected about $20,000 of aid and reached it to the Samoan people during his first visit in September.

Samoan newspapers have acknowledged the assistance rendered thus far by the Samoan Muslim community, asking the all-important question, “Can we not build on this so that out of tragedy can come deeper understanding and a commitment to a shared future?”

Mr Omar was hopeful that Indian Newslink readers would also involve themselves in the relief efforts and offer financial and material assistance.

“Members of the Indian community have time and again demonstrated their concern for victims of natural disasters (in India and Fiji for instance) by collecting monetary and material donations,” he said.

Details of donations can be obtained from

Aarif Rasheed on (09) 2636980 Mobile: 021-2955549 Fax:  (09) 2636978

Email: aarif@defence.co.nz or from Taufil Omar, Principal, Kiwi Lawyers on Phone (09) 2708595 Mobile: 021-892094 Fax: (09) 2708597 Email: taufil@kiwilawyers.co.nz

Read our Editorial Samoa needs our help now on Page 12 and related story, An apolitical group strives for better humankind under Communitylink.