On the morning of 29 September, a five-metre-high tsunami hit Samoa. It was generated by a massive earthquake, with the waves also causing considerable damage, deaths and injuries in parts of Tonga and American Samoa. More than 150 people died, with hundreds injured and several thousand left homeless.
It was a shocking event very close to home for New Zealanders. We have close ties with the Pacific, share our home with Samoan and Tongan communities and know that New Zealand too could be one day struck by large earthquake and tsunami. Not surprisingly, Kiwis were quick to respond generously as media coverage highlighted the devastation. People began filling shipping containers with food, household goods, and construction materials, but were quickly advised to give more targeted and appropriate aid. They organised fundraising events and special services. The media focused on New Zealanders saving the people of Samoa.
Such media coverage and reaction to emergencies can give a very misleading impression. It implies that the “helpless” victims are sitting around in the disaster zone waiting for help to be delivered by overseas agencies. Yet when disaster strikes, it is local people who give the first and life-saving aid.
When Victoria Lio Nansen heard of the tsunami devastation on the southeast of Upolu island, she left her village on the northern coast to help. She assisted with clearing damaged houses and readying the church for Sunday. “We came here to help the people and clean up the chapel for mass. We feel so sad as this tsunami affects all of Samoa,” Victoria said. The strong bonds of fellowship and generosity that bind Samoan society helped everyone in the aftermath. Local churches were crucial to providing immediate survival needs.
In the months to come, what the people really need help with is to rebuild, replenish and develop the resilience that enables them to survive and makes them less vulnerable in the future. This is where CWS funding is going.
Most people have been left without work and are struggling to recover and rebuild their livelihoods. Tourism and fishing were significantly affected and it will take months to recover. Nearly 4000 people were made homeless. Pain and psychological trauma accompany their material losses. Fortunately, access to food has not been disrupted, with the inland plantations unaffected. The churches have mobilised local support and advocated for survivors’ rights to ensure no one is left out of the recovery phase. Pastors provided counselling to families and organised memorial/burial services for victims.
In Tonga, CWS partner Tonga Community Development Trust says assistance with rebuilding will be needed in Niuatoputapu, where most homes were swept away. The Catholic Church, 600 metres inland and one on the few buildings left standing, showed a “tide mark” on the side of the building four metres high. They work with villages throughout Tonga to better prepare them when disaster strikes.
It is this approach to emergencies and ongoing action against poverty that underlies the work of Christian World Service. Good aid and assistance is not about handouts; it is about local community action that develops the strength, knowledge and confidence for people to look after themselves.
In his endorsement of the Christmas Appeal, Moderator the Right Rev Dr Graham Redding says that followers of Jesus are called to show solidarity and compassion for the most vulnerable, as Jesus did. CWS gives you the opportunity to do this. Graham says: “one of the impressive things about CWS is that it partners and supports organisations that are already well established in those areas of need. This should help us give with confidence, knowing that we are contributing to long-term solutions not just to quick fixes. I commend this Christmas Appeal to you.” Please support the CWS Christmas Appeal generously.