Savai‘i village fears future tsunamis
By Rosalia Setefano APIA, Samoa (Samoa Observer, Dec. 30, 2010) – In Samoa, Fagamalo not only celebrated the birth of Christ last Saturday, Christmas also marked the villagers’ relocation inland.
[PIR editor’s note: Fagamalo village is located on the central north coast of Savai'i, Samoa’s largest island.]
Reverend Tileli Tauaifaiga of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa led a ceremony held in the new village, noting the significance of the day.
The decision to move inland was made by villagers who feared living so close to the ocean following the 2009 tsunami.
Village representative Fa’amoe Etele said safety was the village’s first priority.
"The disaster last year was a lesson for all of us," he said.
At the ceremony two new water 5,000 tala [US$2,100] water tanks, donated by the American South Seas Christian Ministry, were unveiled.
Ministry members Rev. Faletoese Fa’amatala...