By Aukusitino Steffany, Program Liaison, American Samoa Department of Homeland Security
Early in September, the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security (ASDHS) Tsunami Team partnered with the National Weather Service Office (WSO) in Pago Pago and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to conduct tsunami preparedness and volcano awareness outreach in the Manu‘a Islands. The outreach team traveled to the islands from August 31 through September 4, 2026. The visit focused on strengthening tsunami preparedness and educating students and communities about the different types of volcanoes found in American Samoa, as well as sharing information about data and research the USGS has collected over the years for the region.
The team began its outreach on Ta‘ū, visiting all of the island’s schools, including Fitiuta Elementary School, Ta‘ū Elementary School, and Manu‘a High School. Students and staff had the opportunity to learn more about tsunami preparedness, volcanic activity, and the importance of understanding the natural hazards that can affect their communities. Following the activities on Ta‘ū, the team traveled to Ofu and Olosega to conduct additional outreach at Olosega Elementary School, the only elementary school serving the two islands. Ofu and Olosega are connected by a bridge, allowing the team to reach students that are from both islands. The outreach provided an important opportunity for students and educators to strengthen their understanding of tsunami safety and volcanic hazards. It also allowed participants to ask the presenters questions. The ASDHS Tsunami Team, WSO Pago Pago, and USGS expressed the importance of continued education and community outreach to ensure that residents are better prepared for tsunamis and other natural hazards that may affect American Samoa.
By mid-September, the American Samoa Tsunami Team was notified by the American Samoa Department of Education (DOE) Emergency Management Team of its plans to begin the new school year with a renewed focus on tsunami preparedness. In response, the American Samoa Tsunami Team began conducting tsunami preparedness activities, along with earthquake and tsunami drills, at schools throughout the territory. The activities have continued throughout September and remain ongoing. The American Samoa Tsunami Team, along with DOE, has set a goal of completing tsunami preparedness outreach and earthquake & tsunami drills at all schools in American Samoa by October 30, 2026. This initiative reflects the team’s commitment to strengthening preparedness and ensuring that schools have the knowledge and plans necessary to respond effectively during a tsunami or earthquake event.
The American Samoa Tsunami Team, along with DOE, has set a goal of completing tsunami preparedness outreach and earthquake & tsunami drills at all schools in American Samoa by October 30, 2026.
Within just two weeks, tsunami outreach and drills have already been completed at multiple schools, marking significant progress toward the October 30 goal. These outreach activities and drills provide students, teachers, and school staff with an opportunity to practice emergency procedures, review evacuation plans, and better understand what actions to take before, during, and after an earthquake or tsunami. The effort is particularly timely given the earthquake activity recorded across the Pacific region this year. Continued preparedness activities in schools are an important part of strengthening community readiness and ensuring that emergency plans are not only developed but also practiced regularly. The American Samoa Tsunami Team will continue working with the Department of Education and schools across the territory to expand tsunami awareness and preparedness activities throughout the remainder of September and into October.
On September 25, 2026, the American Samoa Tsunami Team, in partnership with the American Samoa Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) Child Care Services, launched tsunami preparedness activities for daycare centers across the island of Tutuila. The initiative began with a tsunami preparedness outreach session for all Child Care Services personnel, providing essential information and guidance to strengthen tsunami awareness, preparedness, and response efforts within the daycare centers. The initiative was first planned in July, when DHSS Child Care Services reached out to the American Samoa Tsunami Team to request tsunami preparedness outreach and drills for daycare centers established through the Child Care Services program. The goal of the initiative is to provide daycare staff with essential knowledge about tsunami preparedness while assisting each facility in developing or strengthening its own emergency and evacuation plans. The outreach and drills will give staff an opportunity to become familiar with appropriate procedures and better prepare for a tsunami emergency. The initiative is especially important given the number of daycare centers located in coastal areas. Of the 52 daycare centers in American Samoa, 24 are located in low-lying coastal areas, placing them in areas that may be vulnerable to tsunami impacts. Through this partnership, the American Samoa Tsunami Team and DHSS Child Care Services hope to strengthen tsunami awareness and preparedness among childcare providers while helping ensure that young children are protected and that facilities are prepared to respond quickly during an emergency.
