ADRA is distributing immediate food and water supplies to approximately 2000 affected people in three villages, to sustain them for an initial 30 days, while plans are underway to meet their long-term needs. ADRA is committed to the recovery process for communities, which could extend up to two years, and is working with appropriate partners to determine recovery activities.

“ADRA has already established a response office in Samoa and we’re planning how we can contribute to the ongoing recovery efforts to help communities back on their feet,” said Robert Patton, an ADRA Emergency Management specialist on the ground in Samoa. “We are continuing to work with the Samoan Disaster Management Council and other agencies to determine the way forward. We want to partner with local communities to help them rebuild.”

In the days immediately following the disaster, ADRA Australia and ADRA New Zealand partnered to deploy emergency management personnel to Samoa and established a regional response office in the capital Apia, on the main island of Upolu. Along with other responding agencies, ADRA’s activities are now moving from immediate relief to rebuilding and recovery.

“There are now enough emergency supplies in the country to meet immediate needs, and we’re looking toward the longer-term,” said Mr. Patton. “We’re definitely committed to helping these communities, but do need continuing support in the form of donations. Monetary gifts are really the best way to support efforts like these because they can be transferred to our office quickly and allow us to make the necessary purchases here, based on the needs. An extra bonus of this approach is that by buying goods here, we help bolster local businesses and give a really good boost back into a local economy that has been so badly affected by this disaster. And, of course, cash donations help us keep our commitment to long-term needs. We really need continuing support.”

Donations can be made to ADRA Australia’s Pacific Disaster Appeal by calling 1800 242 372 or visiting ADRA Australia's website. Donations to ADRA Australia’s Pacific Disaster Appeal will be used to support the immediate disaster relief and recovery activities in the area. If the appeal raises more funds than are needed, donations will be allocated to ADRA Australia’s ongoing emergency management activities in the region. New Zealand residents can donate to ADRA New Zealand’s Samoa Disaster Appeal by calling 0800 4999 111 or visiting www.adra.org.nz.