Congresswoman Laura Richardson Statement on Tsunami Disaster

Congresswoman Laura Richardson Statement on Tsunami Disaster

Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D-37) issued the following statement in response to the disastrous tsunami which rocked the islands of American Samoa and Western Samoa devastating many Samoan families in Long Beach, Carson and surrounding communities.

"On behalf of the people in my district in California, I want to extend my condolences to the Samoans abroad and here at home who have lost loved ones or those who are still searching for lost family members.

"It is during circumstances such as this that our reliance upon God is most essential for it strengthens us as individuals and as a community to bond and collectively help our Samoa neighbors pull through this.

"Last night I met with Chief Pele Faletogo at the United Samoan Congregational Church South Bay upon my immediate arrival from Washington DC and assessed their needs and gave them my unyielding commitment.

"I will be working with the state department to make sure that family members are located and their immediate families informed. Additionally I have instructed my staff to make this a top priority and we have began implementing a five point plan

that will focus on defraying the cost of shipping, volunteer recruitment, transport of goods, communication and raising larger community awareness. We also have began working closely with the American Red Cross.

"My office stands at the ready during these most trying circumstances."

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