6.0 Public Education/Response

The public responded very well to the tsunami and its impacts. Just the week before the tsunami, organizations were holding drills and discussing tsunamis with the local people of American Samoa. Thus, the people were well prepared when they felt the shaking to go to higher ground. This was a key factor in saving lives. Also, the timing of the event was beneficial since many people were awake, but had not yet left for work or school. Thus, families were able to evacuate together. The people felt that warnings were not issued sufficiently in advance. Particularly on Western Samoa, many people felt there was not enough warning.

While the Reconnaissance team was performing the field investigations in Pago Pago around 12:00 pm local time on October 7, 2009, a tsunami warning was issued. This gave the team the opportunity to view firsthand the evacuation process. The evacuation proceeded very smoothly and orderly. Police officials drove the streets with flashing lights and provided a warning. Local radio stations broadcasted information to help people. Cars proceeded up to higher ground where people waited. About an hour and a half later, the tsunami warning was cancelled and people returned. No panic or chaos was observed during this event.