Dozens are feared dead after a magnitude 8.3 earthquake struck midway between the two island nations at 6:48am on Tuesday (local time) causing a series of towering tsunami waves.
The Red Cross have said at least 28 have been killed while unconfirmed reports put the death toll much higher.
OFC President Reynald Temarii has offered his sympathies to those caught up in the disaster.
“On behalf of OFC and the Oceania football family we wish to extend our condolences and support to people in American Samoa, Samoa and any other Pacific Islands who have been affected by this tragedy,” said Temarii.
Sarai Bareman, Finance and Administration Manager for the Samoa Football Soccer Federation (SFSF), says many people have sought refuge at the J.S. Blatter Football Complex in Tuanaimato, just 10 minutes from downtown Apia, due to its significant height above sea level.
“I walked to work and there were hundreds of people here at the complex waiting for news,” said Bareman.
“I called all the SFSF staff and thankfully no-one is hurt and everyone has been accounted for. The Red Cross arrived and we opened up our medical room to allow them to treat anyone that needed medical attention. I am pleased that we were able to provide a safe haven for these people during this distressing time and my prayers go out to all the families and villages that have lost loved ones today.”
OFC is actively trying to contact staff at the Football Federation American Samoa (FFAS) but cellular network issues are hampering efforts.
The American Samoa U-20 women’s team are scheduled to fly out to Auckland this Thursday to compete in the OFC U-20 Women’s Championship from 5-9 October while coaches from both countries are expected in Auckland for a FIFA women’s coaching course next week. It is unclear at this stage if these plans will go ahead unchanged.
Meanwhile, an OFC elite refereeing training course which began in Auckland today also involves participants from American Samoa and Samoa.