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Post by Roderick on Jun 21, 2008 16:42:26 GMT 12
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Post by Roderick on Sept 30, 2009 22:43:02 GMT 12
Sea disappeared, then swallowed resort
By GUY MACGIBBON - Stuff.co.nz Last updated 10:09 30/09/2009SharePrint Text Size Saleilua, where Iliili Beach Resort is situated
View Saleilua, where Iliili Beach Resort is situated in a larger map Samoan resort owner Daniela Brussani speaks to Stuff.co.nz
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Brussani went to the verandah at her Iliili Beach Resort, on Samoa's main island Upulo, after feeling this morning's 8.3 earthquake off Samoa "very long and very strong."
The sea had disappeared. "No water, just coral. The water go back. Very fast we understand it is a tsunami. It's not low tide - there is a difference," she said.
She jumped in the car and drove away from the coast and waited. She said two very big waves were seen, about six or seven metres high.
"When we go back we see all my resort is gone," she told Stuff.co.nz.
Brussani, originally from Italy, said only the floor remained in places. Some bungalows were totally gone.
She said she understood that three people were missing from Saleilua, the village where the resort is situated.
As she was speaking to Stuff.co.nz she saw a policeman running carrying a baby, which she feared was dead.
She saw boats and very big fish on the road.
"We're very lucky we're alive."
She said the resort was covered with two metres of water.
"Many coconut trees gone, and all my boutique, all my restaurant, all my hostels."
"We have guests tonight from Australia, from Sydney, and now I don't know what to do."
"I spent 200,000 euro ... it's a new place."
Matthew from the resort said: "Everything is broken. Everything is gone. The building, the restaurant ... nothing left."
"There are three people missing from the village."
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