The Church is assessing the situation in Samoa and the surrounding area following the earthquake and tsunami there. Efforts are underway to determine the Church’s humanitarian response including coordination with government and disaster relief organizations.

Communication in the region has been limited. All missionaries have been accounted for with the exception of two local sister missionaries from the Tonga Nuku’alofa Mission serving on the Tongan island of Niuatoputapu, which borders Samoa. Efforts to communicate with people on the island have not been successful. However, Church leaders continue to work with government officials to make contact.

Over 100 people have died in Samoa, with over 20 additional deaths reported in American Samoa. Preliminary reports indicate that eight Church members have died and that two more members were injured.

From the LDS Newsroom.

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