Five years ago today shortly before 07.00h local time an 8.1 earthquake struck off the southern shores of American Samoa and Independent Samoa. Both islands suffered significant damage from the earthquake.
Within 15 to 20 minutes of the earthquake, both Islands were struck by the most devestating tsunami ever to strike the Samoan Islands. Parts of both Samaoas were struck by waves exceeding 4 metres in height, causing millions of dollars in damages and killing 34 people in American Samoa, more than 100 people in Independent Samoa, and three people in Tonga.
On this fifth Anniversary of this disaster, AS Domain Registry reflects back on this event and remembers our fellow Samoans who were lost.