Sauniuniga mo puapuaga ma suiga o le tau i Amerika Sāmoa

Abstract

Disaster and Climate Change Preparedness in American Sāmoa: A Handbook for Communities in the Sāmoan language.

American Sāmoa is home to some of the most beautiful ecosystems on earth. But if you've lived here long, you know that American Sāmoa (like everywhere else) is vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters. Vulnerabilities include such risks as drought, wildfire, heavy storms and flooding, mudslides, erosion, tsunami, and earthquakes, among others.

Some of these hazards will be exacerbated in the coming years by changes to the climate. For this reason, disaster and climate change preparedness can go hand in hand. Many disaster preparedness actions will make families, business, and communities better prepared for climate change as well.

The purpose of this project is to better understand American Sāmoa's relationship with natural hazards and to help American Sāmoa citizens and professionals prepare for future events. This project connected with American Sāmoa community members about their experiences with hazard events in three different ways:

1. An online survey 2. Interviews with community members and professionals 3. A preparedness workshop in Pago Pago

This booklet includes information about natural hazards and vulnerabilities to disaster in American Sāmoa, stories from project participants about their experiences, and a guide to disaster and climate change preparedness.