Devastation in Samoa

Lalomanu Beach, Samoa.

Lalomanu beach was one of the hardest hit areas when the Samoa Tsunami, a 25 foot high wall of water, struck early in the morning of Sept 29, 2009. Around 50 small 'fales' open air beach cabins, once stood here on this idyllic beach, most just a few feet from the lapping turquise water. Residents that survived the 8.3 earthquake and the resulting Tsunami are now in shock, wandering among the twisted metal and splintered wood looking for anything they can save from the rubble, although most of the debris is ending up in the massive bonfires they have built on the beach. Despite the loss of 14 family members and everything they own, the Taufua family remains defiant and optimistic about the future. I've never seen this much resolve in the face of so much destruction.

Here is a site that is accepting donations if you want to help the families affected: http://tinadesuza.blogspot.com/2009/10/lalomanu-village-how-you-can-help-o.html