People in Samoa are burying their dead, restoring power and water and erecting temporary housing for the thousands of people left homeless by this week's tsunami.
The doll toll continues to climb and is expected to pass 200 over the weekend as more bodies are pulled from the sea and under rubble.
The Samoan government is considering a mass funeral as the body toll continues to mount but most families are burying their own, often in unmarked graves in the hills.
There were heart-rending scenes as one family from Lalo Manu in the south buried 13 family members, one women even had left her hospital bed to bury three of her children.
So far there has been no outbreak of diseases, but epidemics remain a large worry for authorities as they scour inland villages for survivors who may have sought medical help and risk losing limbs or even their lives from infections.
Assistant District Governor for Rotary Fiji Bob Niranjan said they have been sending relief to Samoa and would appreciate help.
Fiji Red Cross Director Alison Cupit said they have decided to launch a public appeal for the tsunami victims and members of the public who would like to make a contribution to this appeal can deposit their donations to:
The Red cross Pacific Tsunami Appeal, Account number: 1044-0224, at the ANZ Bank, Swift Code ANZBFUX.
Donations can also be dropped at the Fiji Red Cross National Office at 22 Gorrie Street.
Families bury their dead
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p