Red Cross staff and volunteers were on the ground even before the tsunami struck, getting people away from some coastal areas, and more than 200 volunteers distributed pre-positioned aid and supported people in the aftermath of this tragedy.
Samoa
When the earthquake which triggered the tsunami struck, church bells alerted Red Cross volunteers to begin evacuating people from coastal areas as the tsunami approached.
The Red Cross set up five camps for survivors and volunteers are distributing food, water, blankets, tarpaulins, clothing, and lanterns. They visited schools to promote good hygiene so young people stayed healthy.
In some villages, volunteers are working alongside community members, police and other government workers to clear debris. They also helped transport bodies to the local hospital.
American Samoa
Red Cross volunteers supplied food, water and much needed supplies to survivors and to emergency workers clearing debris.
President Obama declared the region a major disaster zone and the American Red Cross sent an emergency team to support the relief response.
Tonga
The Tonga Red Cross deployed volunteers and staff to provide emergency assistance and conduct further assessments.
International support
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies deployed an eight-person team. The team had expertise in relief, logistics, health, water and sanitation, shelter, restoring family links and psycho-social care.
It worked with local Red Cross staff and volunteers as well as with the communities affected by the disaster, to assess the immediate needs and looked at early recovery plans to help people get back on their feet.
The Federation relief and recovery operation will help 15,000 people over six months. The British Red Cross emergency appeal will also support recovery activities. A delegate, specialising in securing the livelihoods of families affected by disasters, was also being deployed.
Emergency appeal
The Samoa Tsunami Appeal provided immediate relief for tsunami survivors in the Pacific islands, including the Samoan islands and Tonga and helped them to recover.
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Last updated 30 November 2009 | 
