A major quake and tsunami in the Pacific tests the resolve of the Red Cross as it strives to respond simultaneously to three major disasters, one in the Pacific and two others in Southeast Asia

Pacific Region Red Cross Societies in Samoa and Tonga and the American Red Cross in American Samoa have played a vital role in humanitarian relief efforts following an early morning 8.3 magnitude earthquake and its resulting tsunami. They are being supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the New Zealand Red Cross and other partners in the region.

The Samoa Red Cross responded immediately, with 135 of its trained volunteers providing early warnings to those in coastal settlements to stay clear of beaches, supporting life saving evacuation efforts in and around Apia, and opening five temporary shelter sites, estimating that a total of 60 villages and between 10,000 and 15,000 people have been impacted by this emergency.

Volunteers are currently distributing clean water, first aid supplies, tarpaulins and other relief to impacted individuals and families. The National Society works closely with government through its national disaster coordinating group.

In Tonga, reports indicate that the Niuas Islands and several villages were flooded, with at least nine families directly impacted. The Tonga Red Cross has mobilized its volunteers to provide needed assistance and conduct further assessments.

The Pacific Regional Office of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is supporting affected National Societies and discussions regarding the provision of emergency financial assistance are currently underway. The New Zealand Red Cross has deployed disaster response personnel to Samoa and emergency relief supplies will be mobilized on Thursday.

The Red Cross is watching the situation closely as there is a high likelihood of more severe weather or quake-related events around the corner. Emergency contingency funding will be released to the affected areas so that the national societies on the ground are fully equipped to deal with the situation as it evolves.

Mr Etienne Micallef from The Malta Red Cross,a F.A.C.T ( Field Assessment and Coordination Team), member is also on Red Alert should the International Federation call upon his expertise.

FACT teams, support national Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies in major disaster response. They are ready to participate in a FACT team deployment with 12 – 24 hours notice for 2 – 4 weeks anywhere in the world.

The team will compile an assessment report, a plan of action, which recommends the most appropriate Red Cross/Red Crescent intervention and draft an Appeal, which is then launched by the Federation Secretariat in Geneva to the member National Societies and other donors. The FACT team will also facilitate and coordinate the start up of relief activities. It may request Emergency Response Units and coordinate their deployment, advise on and request other human and material resources and coordinate the assistance provided by the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in response to the disaster. After assisting in the implementation of the plan of action, the FACT team hands over the relief operation to the host National Society, the delegation, and the delegates who have been recruited to support them.

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