8 LDS members are believed among fatalities of earthquake, tsunami in the Samoas
Published: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009
By Jason Swensen
Photo by Samoa Apia Mission President O. Vincent Haleck Jr.Church News staff writer
Eight members, including two children, were killed and two others
hospitalized in the Samoan islands after a Sept. 29 magnitude 8.0 undersea
quake triggered a deadly tsunami that wiped out several villages and sent
residents scrambling for high ground.
Photo by Elder and Sister Eves
Missionaries serving in Samoa Apia Mission who escaped tsunami by climbing a tree. Elder Elliott Miller is left.
Photo by Samoa Apia Mission President O. Vincent Haleck Jr.
Meetinghouse damage. Tsunami in Samoa.
Meanwhile, local priesthood leaders report that there are members who
remain unaccounted for. Communication has reportedly been spotty in some
affected areas because of damaged telephone
lines.
Associated Press
People walk through debris following a powerful quake, in Pago Pago village, on American Samoa Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009.
All of the full-time missionaries assigned to the impacted areas in the
South Pacific have been accounted for with the exception of two sister
missionaries serving in Tonga's far north island, according to Lynn Samsel
of the Church's Emergency Response office. Both sister missionaries are
native to the region. Contact had not been made because of the lack of
telephone service.
Photo by Samoa Apia Mission President O. Vincent Haleck Jr.
The
Apia Samoa Temple suffered no structural damage following the quake
and subsequent tsunami — although the horn from the Angel Moroni
statue atop the temple somehow snapped off and fell to the
ground.
Associated Press
A main road in the downtown area of Fagatogo, American Samoa is flooded by water on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009.
Two meetinghouses on Samoan's main island of Upolu reportedly suffered
severe water damage. Meanwhile, flood water inundated the lower level of
the Fa'aala stake center on the neighboring island of Savai'i.
Photo by Samoa Apia Mission President O. Vincent Haleck Jr.
Photo by Samoa Apia Mission President O. Vincent Haleck Jr.
Meetinghouse damage. Tsunami in Samoa.
Brother Samsel said local priesthood leaders are attending to the needs
of the Samoan members. Meanwhile, Church headquarters is evaluating the
situation in the Samoan islands to determine the most appropriate response.
The Church is also working with the American Red Cross, which is sending a
large contingent of emergency responders to the
Samoas.
Associated Press
People
walk among a scene of devastation following a powerful earthquake in
Pago Pago village, on American Samoa Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009.
The massive quake struck around dawn, as many residents were preparing
for work and getting their children ready for school, according to the New
York Times News Service. Damage was expected to be heaviest in the southern
parts of Samoa and in American Samoa.
Photo by Samoa Apia Mission President O. Vincent Haleck Jr.
Photo by Samoa Apia Mission President O. Vincent Haleck Jr.
The temblor originated below the ocean about 120 miles southwest of
American Samoa and 125 miles south of Samoa. It was centered some 11 miles
below the seabed, according to the U.S. Geological
Survey.
Photo by Samoa Apia Mission President O. Vincent Haleck Jr.
Local residents are said to be devastated by the extensive damage and
loss of life caused by the earthquake/tsunami. One Church official in the
area said of the situation in the southern area of the Samoan island of
Upolu, "There was no adequate language to describe the devastation which
appears like a war zone."
Associated Press
Devastation pictured following a powerful earthquake in American Samoa Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009.
In all, there were 75 reported fatalities in American Samoa and Samoa
with many more missing, according to Church Public Affairs. The extensive
damage in some villages has left thousands homeless.
LET US ALL PRAY FOR THEM BRETHREN!!
********************************************************
Plainview Texas Branch; Lubbock Stake Announcements;
October 3rd :Saturday General Conference; 11:00 & 3:00
October 3rd :Saturday Priesthood Telecast 7:00pm
October 4th :Sunday General Conference; 11:00 & 3:00
October 7th :Leadership Training @ Stake Center
1 comment:
the earthquake and the tsunami damages is nobodys balme...we look at our own selves and ask "am i ready for the lords second coming?"i thank God for what he did because it is for our own benefit...i also thank for all of your prayers and faith in him...theres is so much to say but THANKS AND I LOVE GOD SAYS it all...may the good lord bless all of samoa and our families in need...
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