Rescuers search fallen homes and littered swamps as President Obama declares a disaster area for American Samoa. At least 150 people have died in the tsunami that struck the Samoan islands this week, but many have also survived to tell of its destruction.

“To me it was like a monster — just black water coming to you,” said one survivor in describing the 15 to 20 foot waves that reached up to a mile inland.

The disaster struck too quickly for the islands’ warning system to take effect, so farms, tourist resorts, and entire villages washed away. Damaged airports forced immediate food, clean water, and shelter materials to be sent by boat.

Airports were eventually cleared and are now receiving aid from various nations. Australia will send 20 tons of goods and materials, as well as aid officials and medical professionals. The US will send similar types of help, and New Zealand provided 1 million New Zealand dollars to the effort on Thursday

You can send your own aid to the Samoan Islands too. Apply for a disaster grant and we'll help you fund it. There are tons of other ways to get involved with disaster response and relief.