Musings

Significant destruction and fatalities have occurred, particularly on the southern part of the islands. The death toll is rising and likely will number in the hundreds.

Information from Savaii has been difficult to obtain. However, two Seacology villages may have been in the path of the storm. In Falealupo, the walkway is sufficiently inland and adequately engineered that it probably did not sustain any damage. In Tafua village, villagers living by the sea likely may have sustained damage to their homes and possibly injury if they were unable to escape in time.

I will continue to seek more verifiable information as communications are reestablished. Seacology supporters and friends of Samoa can help.

Seacology has established "The Samoa Tsunami Emergency Fund" which is accepting donations towards needed medical or surgical procedures for those villagers who were seriously wounded, lost limbs, etc., purchase roofing tin to rebuild homes for those who lost their domiciles, purchase boats and fishing gear to replace that which was lost to the waves, etc. I therefore ask my Opera friends to make whatever contribution they feel appropriate.

We had a similar and highly successful response to the December 26, 2004 tsunami in Indonesia. Seacology's rapid and compassionate response garnered international attention. As usual, no funds for administration or overhead will be taken from the donated monies, and every cent will be provided to needed disaster relief. These donations are tax-deductable under the U.S. and most other nation's tax codes.

Donation can be made on-line at: Samoa Tsunami Emergency Fund Please indicate in the comment line that your gift is to be directed to "The Samoa Tsunami Emergency Fund." Checks made out to Seacology can be sent to Seacology, 1623 Solano Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707 USA. Please indicate in the memo line "Samoa Tsunami Fund."