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American Samoa Government - PR001-09292025
Posted: September 29, 2025
American Samoa Leaders Unite to Advance Tsunami Preparedness Through National Program and Village Empowerment Initiative
UTULEI, American Samoa - In a continued commitment to safeguarding communities from natural disasters, the Department of Homeland Security, Weather Service Office, Office of Samoan Affairs, the Governor’s Office and the Department of Legal Affairs joined forces to deliver a comprehensive presentation on the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program and the Adopt-A-Village initiative.
The National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, a cornerstone of the National Weather Service’s Tsunami Program, is a coordinated national effort aimed at reducing the impact of tsunamis through public education, hazard assessment, warning coordination, and community response planning. The program is supported by federal partners including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S Geological Survey, along with 28 U.S States and Territories.
American Samoa plays an active role on the NTHMP Coordinating Committee, with representatives from WSO Pago Pago and ASDHS contributing to key subcommittee focused on Hazard Assessment, Warning Guidance, and Mitigation. As the official recipient of NTHMP funding, ASDHS leads local implementation efforts to ensure that tsunami preparedness is deeply rooted in community engagement and scientific guidance.
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As part of this commitment, the unified collaboration launched the Adopt-A-Village to empower coastal villages to take ownership of their tsunami readiness. The villages of Faga’alu, Fagaitua, and Alofau were selected for this initiative based on their geographic location, infrastructure, and population. The project aims to strengthen local capacity by enhancing evacuation routes, raising public awareness, and developing and exercising evacuation plans in partnership with village councils and ‘aumaga.
To support these efforts, a one-time funding allocation of $10,000 has been provided to improve evacuation infrastructure and designated safe zones. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between ASDHS and representatives of the participating villages, formalizing their shared commitment to disaster resilience.
To date, ASDHS has extended the Adopt-A-Village initiative to eleven villages across the territory, reinforcing American Samoa’s leadership in community based preparedness.
The joint forces reflect the strength of interagency collaboration and the importance of integrating traditional leadership with modern emergency management practices. Together, these efforts ensure that American Samoa remains vigilant, informed, and ready to protect its people from the threat of tsunamis. For more information on the NTHMP and the Adopt-A-Village initiative, please contact the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security.
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