Relatives reach out to Samoa

Reports of severe damage and loss of life are filtering through but intermittent phone connections on the island have made confirmation difficult.

Many have moved to higher ground, where coverage is patchy, according to reports.

O. Suemalo said: "It's not a good feeling knowing that your family could be killed shortly. My brother and family have left their home and moved to higher ground in Aleipata."

Leuluasi said: "Palauli in Savaii was hit too. Called family there and they are up in the hills. Most of the houses on the ocean side of the road are destroyed. Family are unsure if all the school children made it up the hill."

One reader calling themselves Fee said her auntie in Siumu had been killed in tsunami.

There have been unconfirmed reports that a primary school in the Aleipata area was hit during morning assembly.

Mumzie said: "My daughters dad is over there at the moment and I am so worried as I can't get a hold of him. Even though we may not have got a long together he is still her dad. Prayers and thoughts are with everyone else who has friends or family over there."

Ana said she was sick worry. "I can't stop worrying about my family...I hope my mum is ok."

Another reader called Michael said his friend was at working at a hospital which was over run with injured people.