'Good Samaritans' of the Tsunami Samoa

'Good Samaritans' of the Tsunami Samoa

Source: eventpolynesia.com

Rev. Isaia Tiatia's speech, he said, "The work performed by the nurses at Lalomanu District Hospital, the Police, Fire Service and Rescue, the media people and volunteers like the Samoa Health Mission from New Zealand, are some of the Good Samaritans of the tsunami Samoa story."

"The whole day I have been conducting church services to remember those that died during the tsunami. In contrast, this candle light service is about remembering the living service of the many Government offices and agencies, also the international community that came to Samoa's time of need."

Rev. Tiatia, the church minister for the whole Lalomanu village conducted the special service at Lalomanu District Hospital, on the anniversary evening of the tsunami disaster, Wednesday, 29th September 2010.

In her testimony during the service, Tautala, the nurse manager at Lalomanu said "As soon as the dead bodies and the wounded started arriving at the hospital, we could not hold back the tears as we tried to cope with the unprecedented number of casualties. My family at Lepa contacted me as I arrived at work to say that our home was completely destroyed and we have lost all our belonging but they were alive."

Elikapo, head of the Lalomanu Police Station reflected on the emotional and physiological challenges faced by the police and search teams that were looking for missing bodies buried under the debris and sand in the second and third day after the tsunami.

Va'asiliega of Radio 2AP shared the hard decisions media people hand to make to limit photos and footage coverage of the dead bodies to maintain their dignity for the sake of their families and children, especially those watching from overseas.

Togiaioatua Vaifagaloa, chairperson of Samoa Health Mission in her testimony said, "Thirty five nurses from New Zealand, three from Australian and a couple from USA with links to Samoa responded immediately. All gave up their annual leave, with most paying their own airfares to return home to help in the wake of the tragedy."

At the end of the service, candles were then lit with Reverend Isaia Tiatia blessing the Lalomanu District Hospital compound to disperse any stories of ghosts of tsunami victims appearing at the hospital.

"The are no ghosts roaming the hospital compound, only evil spirits trying to frighten the staff if our faith in God is weak," said Rev. Tiatia.

According to Pa'u Fereti Puni of Samoa Health Mission, "The candle light service was a great acknowledgement of the humanitarian work performed by many during the tsunami. The participation of Samoa Health Mission in a way represented the numerous Good Samaritans both locally and from abroad who helped Samoa. While the focus is still with the families that lost loved ones, it is also important to recognize the emotional and psychological sacrifice by many tsunami relief workers."

The candle light service at Lalomanu was broadcast live on 2AP and was the last program in the series of church services held around Samoa on the tsunami anniversary.

ENDS

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