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The recent tsunami has had disastrous effects on thousands of Samoans. These photos were taken yesterday from the Lalomanu area on the southeast part of Upolu. 40 villages were affected and 20 were completely destroyed. At least 2,000 people are homeless, with 10,000 affected. Many Samoans escaped with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing and are living in temporary shelters or schools.

SPBD has also been greatly affected. Three SPBD staff members have lost family members and two staff have lost their homes. Many SPBD ladies' homes and businesses have been lost. We have yet to determine the number of SPBD borrowers' lives lost, but news agencies are reporting the number of deaths at 150.
SPBD is harnessing resources to mount a relief effort with SPBD President Greg Casagrande on his way to Samoa now. We are in a unique position to help affected families as we are the largest local development organization in Samoa and we operate in all affected areas.