At least two Australians dead in tsunami

A six-year-old Australian girl and a Tasmanian woman celebrating her 50th birthday are dead after a deadly tsunami struck the Pacific island of Samoa - and there are fears the toll could rise.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told the Seven Network on Wednesday evening there were grave fears for another three Australians, who are missing.

He confirmed the death of the child, describing it as an "absolute tragedy".

There were no further details.

Maree Blacker, of Longford in Tasmania, was with her husband John, a well-known horse-trainer, for her milestone birthday when celebrations turned to tragedy.

Troy Blacker, John's brother, said the pair were due to return home in a few days.

"John's got few injuries sustained in the earthquake and unfortunately Maree has been confirmed killed," he said.

Seven Australians are in hospital but the exact number of Australians injured is in a state of flux.

Consular officials in the Samoan capital Apia are assisting 20 Australians, who have lost "mostly everything".

There are fears the death toll - which currently stands at 75 - could go much higher after the 8.3 magnitude quake struck Samoa and American Samoa early Tuesday morning local time , triggering a massive tsunami that washed through the Pacific.

Another 10 people have been killed in Tonga.

Samoa has formally asked for help from Australia, New Zealand and France, which are discussing how to best to provide aid such as tents, water purification tablets and medical supplies.

Tonga has not yet asked for formal help.

Mr Rudd spoke to Samoa's acting prime minister earlier on Wednesday, offering the nation's sympathies and whatever practical assistance was needed.

"We see our friends in Samoa as part of our Pacific family," he told reporters.

"We are working ... very closely, not just with the Samoans, but with our friends in New Zealand, the government of France, and others who are active in the region to provide all levels of practical support possible.

"But it may take some time before the full impact of this natural disaster is known."

Australia will despatch chartered aircraft with medical supplies, search and rescue teams and disaster recovery equipment on Wednesday night.

Canberra still has two RAAF Hercules on standby at Richmond air base to deploy, as necessary.

Australia is in constant discussions with New Zealand and France to work out the best way to provide assistance.

A disaster response team of officials from foreign affairs and defence was set to leave for Samoa on Wednesday afternoon.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has reissued its travel advice for Samoa, warning of the dangers associated with the disaster that hit parts of the island popular with tourists.

Authorities aren't sure exactly how many Australians may be in the affected areas but foreign affairs parliamentary secretary Bob McMullan said it was expected to be in the hundreds given the number who holidayed and worked in Samoa.

The numbers could be higher because of school holidays in Australia.

Tourists should still be able to leave by commercial flights but the government will consider additional assistance, if necessary.

The earthquake struck at 6.48am Tuesday local time midway between the two island groups of Samoa and American Samoa.

Its proximity to islands meant communities had little warning of the impending giant wave that it triggered.

Mr McMullan said there was nothing to suggest the tsunami warning system had not worked.

"(But) if it is an issue we will have a look after we have dealt with the humanitarian crisis," he said.

 

- AAP