On September 29th, 2009, an 8.3 magnitude earthquake generated a tsunami that devastated the island of American Samoa. Three waves, the highest reaching almost 36 feet, crushed coastal structures, shorelines and coral reefs, killed 150 people and left a laboratory for researchers who study the mechanics of what is one of the most destructive forces in nature.Using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), Professor Julie Young and a team of researchers in the University of Michigan's Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering surveyed the coastal seabed.
That alone is reason enough for the FBI to be on alert and issuing such a warning is the most responsible thing to do,” continued Davids. “Unfortunately there is little an ordinary person can do against a determined wave whether it is a part of a tsunami or even a rogue acting alone. The last thing the FBI wants to do, I’m sure, is create panic and encourage ordinary Americans to try and tackle a wave onslaught by themselves.”
The real concern is that these waves will start to move towards the continental United States. Such forces arrayed against cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco could be devastating and result in the deaths of thousands of actual Americans, perhaps even millions.
The Tsunami is just the latest in as series of natural events to rock that area of the world in recent weeks, though it is the first to target American properties in the region, which prompted the warning from the FBI. Already investigations into the cause and nature of the event have been undertaken but it is unlikely that anyone will be brought to justice, citing the likelihood that earthquake was a naturally occurring phenomenon which traditionally has been very difficult to bring to justice. Nonetheless, FBI officials are warning Americans to remain on alert especially when travelling overseas and to report any suspicious wave activity.
Workers with the American Red Cross and partner agencies are "dealing with 70 villages that were affected, some more heavily damaged than others," as a result of the Sept. 29 tsunami, reports American Red Cross worker Barbara Riester from American Samoa.
American Samoa Tsunami
