One Kiwi killed in tsunami; more deaths likely

Last updated 21:11 30/09/2009

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Vaalele Eti with the sign to the village of Vaigalu

A man carrying his child walks past a boat that was washed ashore in Pago Pago Harbour, American Samoa.

Samoan police carry the body of a tsumani victim found in the water near Matavai on the Samoa's southern coast.

A fale sits in the middle of surrounding destruction.

Villagers assess the damege in Leone, American Samoa.

Personal belongings lie strewen around in the aftermath of the tsunami

A ute comes to rest after the earthquake

The tsunami swept through Leone, American Samoa

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The Government tonight reported one New Zealander dead and nine injured after a tsunami smashed through the southern coast of Samoa.

Acting Prime Minister Bill English said about 150 New Zealanders had reported to the High Commission in Apia, 70 of them from the worst-hit resort areas.

Mr English said he has a "reliable but unconfirmed report" that at least one New Zealander has been killed.

"We have no further information about New Zealand fatalities and there won't be until Samoan authorities have identified the growing number of bodies that are coming in," Mr English said as the overall death toll was reported to have reached about 100.

Mr English confirmed an air force Orion had reached Samoa to help search for people washed out to sea by the tsunami that followed a huge earthquake off the coast of American Samoa at 6.48am (NZT).

A Hercules transport aircraft was due to leave about midnight with medical supplies and army medical personnel, as well as tents, food and temporary morgues asked for by the Samoan government.

Mr English said some of the people turning up at the High Commission had lost everything.

"They have no passports, no clothes, they're being looked after in the best way possible," he said.

The nine injured New Zealanders were in two hospitals in Apia, but he had no other details.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully said the lower parts of Apia were evacuated this evening after a second tsunami warning, which did not appear to be linked to another earthquake.

The High Commission was also evacuated and was operating from the home of the deputy high commissioner which was on high ground.

Mr McCully said the dead New Zealander had been holidaying with family and friends.

"The friends had to break the news to the family back in New Zealand," he said.

Mr English said it was important for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have as much information as possible about New Zealanders in Samoa, and he appealed to their families in New Zealand to make contact so names could be checked.

Mr McCully said consular staff were "working feverishly" to help people who were reporting in.

He expected there would be more flights taking supplies to Samoa in the next few days, and help from the navy was a possibility.

Samoa had asked for a helicopter and that was being discussed with Australian authorities.

Earlier Mr Key said he had spoken to Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and conveyed New Zealand's condolences.

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Mr Goff said his party fully supported the Government in sending whatever assistance Samoa needed.

"We are deeply concerned by the reports of loss of life and significant damage to some villages," he said.

"New Zealand has a long and very strong relationship with Samoa and our thoughts are with the families of those impacted by this disaster."

It was earlier reported that two New Zealand holidaymakers staying at a beach resort had been injured.

Mr English said they were bracing for reports of more Kiwi deaths, with the tsunami devastating popular tourist destinations including Lalomanu and with many Samoan New Zealanders expected to have returned for school holidays.

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» Sea disappeared, then swallowed Samoa resort
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» Full coverage

"The informed judgment we are getting is that there could be more New Zealand fatalities," he said.

"Our understanding is that where the wave hit… there's a lot of destruction.” "I would underline the fact that this is a situation that is unfolding,” he said.

Once they knew more, they would decide what aid to send, dependent on what the Samoan government requested.

"The NZ government is very concerned about the unfolding tragedy that has struck in the Pacific region in particular in the southern coast of Samoa, American Samoa and northern islands of Tonga."

Mr English said they had "significant numbers of deaths" across the area.

Civil Defence has now confirmed that there is no further tsunami threat for New Zealand.

"Wave activity around New Zealand is expected to continue but to decline in height over the next few hours. There is still a liklihood of strong currents in coastal areas," it said.

People concerned about family members in Samoa should try to make contact with them in the first instance. Those with ongoing concerns can call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 04 439 8000, and provide as many contact details as possible.

Anyone worried about the safety of non-New Zealand relatives in Samoa should contact the Samoan High Commission on 04 472 0953.

The Red Cross is accepting donations for those affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

- Stuff.co.nz and NZPA

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