Our thoughts and prayers go out to families and loved ones affected by the Tsunami that hit both island nations American Samoa, a U.S. territory and the independent state of Samoa today, September 29, 2009.

DISASTER RELIEF AVAILABLE NOW:

The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the territory of American Samoa and ordered federal aid to supplement territory and local recovery efforts in the area struck by an earthquake, tsunami, and flooding beginning on September 29, 2009, and continuing.

FEMA said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the territory can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZES RELIEF EFFORTS

The Southern California Pacific Islander Community is organizing a charity benefit concert featuring top artists to benefit victims of the Samoa tsunami.  This event will be held in Long Beach, CA on Oct 12, 2009 @ the Cellar in Long Beach.  Visit www.pacifikavoice.com for more information om the benefit concert and local relief efforts.