Sea disappeared, then swallowed resort

Samoan resort owner Daniela Brussani speaks to Stuff.co.nz

Saleilua, where Iliili Beach Resort is situated

View Saleilua, where Iliili Beach Resort is situated in a larger map

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When Daniela Brussani saw only bare coral where the sea should be, she abandoned her resort. It was gone when she returned.

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» Sea disappeared, then swallowed Samoa resort
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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."

- © Fairfax NZ News