Sir – The Red Cross has launched an appeal for Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga, to support people affected by the 8.3 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck on September 29 at 6:48am local time.

Samoa Red Cross and Tonga Red Cross staff and volunteers helped move people away from coastal areas as soon as the tsunami warning was issued and over 200 volunteers have been providing emergency support in the aftermath.

The tsunami devastated a coastal strip of 40 kilometres on Samoa where 40 villages once stood. Thousands of people have lost their homes and livelihoods. The Red Cross is rebuilding lives and getting communities back on their feet. Many people have fled to the hills, scared to return and be near the ocean. The Red Cross continues to tackle immediate needs by providing food, water, blankets, cooking pots and tarpaulins to those affected, but is now looking ahead to providing safe water until damaged water supply systems are restored, preventing the spread of disease, and reconnecting families who have been separated.

The British Red Cross is one of the charities benefiting from the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) East Asia Appeal currently raising money for Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.

Due to the scale of the Red Cross operation in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga, the British Red Cross has launched the Samoa Tsunami Appeal specifically to raise funds to help those affected in the region.

To donate, visit www.redcross.org.uk/ samoatsunami or call 0845 054 7200.

Mike Goodhand Head of Disaster Management British Red Cross