As relief workers try to rescue survivors in the South Pacific after an earthquake and series of tsunamis claimed almost 200 lives, a Florida hurricane czar is coordinating the U.S. emergency response in American Samoa.

Resp- onding to the first major disaster since he took charge of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in May, W. Craig Fugate is focusing U.S. rescue efforts on the territory of American Samoa.

So far, he has sent several planes with supplies to the area along with medical experts and relief workers. Previously, Fugate served as Florida's top emergency management director.

``We have more than 144 personnel there,'' Fugate, a Florida native, told The Miami Herald on Thursday. ``We have to be prepared for disasters that -- when they happen -- have no warning.''

Destruction has been widespread. Buildings have collapsed, entire villages and beachfront resorts have been destroyed, and the death toll has been climbing. More than 145 people have died in Samoa, at least 31 on American Samoa and at least nine on neighboring Tonga, but officials fear that the numbers are likely to rise. Hundreds of people remain missing.

The bulk of the damage on American Samoa was caused by the tsunami.

The South Pacific earthquake and tsunami are almost certain to test Fugate's ability to respond to natural disasters other than the hurricanes on which he has built his reputation. Fugate, who was credited for deftly leading Florida's disaster response a few years ago when eight hurricanes ravaged the state in two years, said that he is well equipped to respond to other kinds of natural disasters. That means, he said, he must be better prepared.

``People have been concerned that I've come from a state that has a history of hurricanes,'' Fugate said. ``You don't get to pick your next disaster, and not everything gives you a warning like a hurricane.''

Fugate -- President Barack Obama's choice to head an agency roundly criticized for its performance during the 2005 hurricane season -- sailed through his nomination hearings earlier this year.

Fugate is not the only prominent Floridian touched by the South Pacific earthquakes and tsunamis. One Miami Dolphin from America Samoa has had to contend with the death of relatives.

Backup nose guard Paul Soliai lost at least one aunt, an uncle and several of his and his wife Letasha's relatives are missing. Soliai's entire family is in American Samoa. ``It's been crazy, but it's mother nature,'' Soliai said. ``You can't control it. I've been talking to some of my family members. They say there's so much damage; they're still finding so many bodies.''

Miami Herald staff writer David J. Neal contributed reporting.

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.repliedToText@

@Nyx.replyAnswerText@

Reply to this Comment @Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@