Samoan Tsunami

An earthquake of magnitude around 8.0 occurred in the Pacific off of the island of American Samoa at dawn on Tuesday (local time). The earthquake triggered a tsunami that hit American Samoa, Western Samoa and the island of Niuatoputapu in Tonga. So far, at least 100 people are dead and tens of thousands more are in need of shelter, food and water. President Obama has declared a major disaster. FEMA reports that shelters are open and that they are housing several thousand displaced people.
Relief Web has lots of information about the tsunami/earthquake including maps of the affected region and reports from charities providing relief. CNN’s Impact Your World, one of Charity Navigator’s partners, also includes lists of charities, updated news and photos.
If you are touched by this tragedy and are considering making a donation, then we encourage you to review our Tips For Giving In Times Of Crisis before you support one of the charities involved in the relief efforts:

• ADRA


• American Red Cross: The American Red Cross domestic services is responding and is working with FEMA in response to the disaster. It will be sending a mass care team and support services to American Samoa to assist the local chapter and its volunteers with providing relief and supplies to those affected


• AmeriCares
  
• Direct Relief International


• GlobalGiving


• Mercy Corps


• Oxfam
  
• World Vision
  
• Operation USA
  
• Convoy of Hope
  
• Medical Teams International

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