Tsunami
20 October 2009 | Samoa/Tonga/Vanuatu
Surfer
Tsunami
Nothing came of the two Tsunami warnings here in Fiji. However the Samoas and Niuatoputapu, Tonga were devastated. The death toll was much higher in Samoa, but their population is much larger. Just knowing that people we met last year have been swept away this year is hard to take. Nowhere have we met nicer, friendlier people than in American Samoa, Independent Samoa and Niuatoputapu Tonga. I wish we could do something to help, but I fear we'd just be in the way. The relief agencies seem to know their biz.
Most of the Pacific Islanders live only a few feet above sea level, usually out of necessity. The islands are either low lying atolls or rugged mountainous terrain unsuitable for habitation, save the precious few beaches with access to the ocean. Their livelihood depends on the ocean, so that's where they live. They should relocate to safer ground, but the reality is they're going to rebuild and continue to live in harm's way. Same with the resorts. No one will pay the big bucks to hike to the beach.
So... their fate depends on timely warning, which they don't get as most of the money for warning systems are spent to protect the most people. Which means the Northern Hemisphere. Another disaster, such as the Indonesian quake, following close on the heels of the Tsunami in the remote South Pacific and all is quickly forgotten by the rest of the world. Ah well, rising sea levels will make 'em all move in a couple of decades anyway. Such a deal, eh?
PS: For the sake of clarity, let me say: I don't have an opinion on the human contribution to the natural cycles of global warming and cooling - so don't ask.