In September last year, an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the richter scale struck off Samoa. The massive earthquake trigged a tsunami that caused extensive destruction and damage to the islands of Samoa, American Samoa and northern Tonga. Nearly 200 people were killed in the tsunami, including seven New Zealanders. With a large Samoan population living in New Zealand, it was a disaster that struck close to home.

The images that follow document the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. Many thanks to Anna Comrie-Thomson for allowing Salient to publish her photographs.