Asia-Pacific

Tsunami anniversary remembered in Pacific island countries

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-09-30 12:53

WELLINGTON - Villages in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga were remembering the day when lives, homes and businesses were destroyed by a tsunami a year ago.

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A total 186 people were killed - 143 in Samoa, 34 in American Samoa and nine in Tonga on September 29, 2009 (American Samoa time).

Villages in Samoa unveiled plaques in remembrance of those who died and families are having their own private unveilings later in the day, Radio New Zealand reported.

Church services have been timed to coincide with the time the tsunami occurred.

Some villages have asked that people not swim in the sea as a sign of respect for the dead.

The anniversary also marked the official opening of Satitoa primary school, which was demolished by the waves. It has been rebuilt in the village on higher ground.

Many homes wrecked by the sea remain as they were after the tsunami hit, with entire villages abandoning the coast for higher ground.

In American Samoa, September 29 has been declared a public holiday. In Tonga, the anniversary will be commemorated with church services and a day of fasting.

Meanwhile, the re-building also continues in Tonga and American Samoa, Radio New Zealand reported.

The building of 80 permanent homes on Nuiatotputapu on Tonga is yet to even begin.

Forty five temporary houses in Falehau and Waipoa have been completed, but people in Hihifo are still in tents, and in need of water supplies.

In American Samoa, the majority of people qualifying for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are still waiting for permanent housing.

Only five homes have been completed, with 38 houses yet to be built. Families are still living in tents.