IAEM Oceania

Source: NZ Herald

Acting Prime Minister Bill English says there is a "reliable but unconfirmed report" a New Zealander has died in the tsunami which struck Samoa today. Mr English said there are concerns for more New Zealanders who were staying at resorts hit hard by the tsunami. "There are likely to be more New Zealand fatalities," Mr English said. Mr English said the report of the death came from the victim's family.

The NZ Herald is maintaining a Google map of the Samoan earthquake/tsunami.

Source: SmartTraveller.gov.au

On 30 September 2009 (AEST) an earthquake near Samoa caused a tsunami to strike Samoa. Australians in Samoa requiring consular assistance should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on + 61 2 6261 3305. Australians with concerns for family or friends in Samoa should first try to contact them directly. If they are unable to be contacted or you hold fears for their safety, you can call the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135.

Source:
Killer tsunami reaches Tonga, deaths reported by ABCNews

The Tongan government says it has reports of 10 deaths on the island of Niuatoputatu, which borders Samoa, after this morning's earthquake and tsunami.

Source: Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa

Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa would like to advise that all guests and staff on the resort at the time the Tsunami hit are safe and accounted for and guests have been relocated to other undamaged resorts in Upolu, Samoa.

As you will appreciate, the news from Samoa is rather sketchy due to communication problems throughout the country. However, the pier and Ava I Toga Restaurant have been destroyed or severely damaged, along with the Presidential Suite and Honeymoon Fale. The Beachside Fales have sustained some damage while the Ocean View and Garden View Fales are all unharmed as is the Laumosooi Restaurant, Pool and Reception/Front Office areas.

The Resort is closed until further notice and thank you for your understanding and support at this difficult stage.

Source: Twitter, CourierMail

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/gallery/0,23816,5060888-17382-1,00.html

http://twitpic.com/joc4j - Pago Plaza with DDW on the first floor
http://twitpic.com/jobxk - GHC Reid Vaimalu Water Bottling Plant
http://twitpic.com/jobqy - Development Bank of American Samoa
http://twitpic.com/jobk5 - Devastation in Pago!
http://twitpic.com/jobgl - The old Soli and Mark's reduced to rubbles
http://twitpic.com/jobba - The Tool Shop
http://twitpic.com/job45 - An aiga bus and pickup truck in front of Sadie's Restaurant

Source: SkyNews.com.au

A Defence Force Orion has left New Zealand for Samoa to help in the aftermath of the tsunami. The New Zealand government sent the Orion to help search for survivors and assess damage after the powerful earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Up to 34 are dead in Samoa and American Samoa, with the toll expected to rise. Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully's office has received reports of people being washed out to sea following the tsunami. Mr McCully said New Zealand's diplomatic missions throughout the Pacific were in contact with local authorities.

Source: Reuters

"It's believed as of now, there could be a number close to 100 deaths," said Ausegalia Mulipola, assistant chief executive of Western Samoa's disaster management office. "They are still continuing the searches for any missing bodies in the area," Mulipola told Reuters, adding the southern side of the country's main island Upolu was the worst hit. "There have been reports of villages, where most of the houses have been run over by the sea," he said. "Some areas have been flattened and the tsunami had brought a lot of sand onshore, so there have been reports the sand has covered some of the bodies. So we need specialized machines to search for bodies that are buried under the sand."

Source: CNN

At least 17 deaths were confirmed, said Dr. Salamo Laumoli, director of health services of American Samoa. "Two or three villages have been badly damaged," he told CNN International. An American Samoa homeland security official working at the island's emergency operations center told CNN that the death toll is expected to rise to at least 20. The tsunami wave hit right in the middle of the harbor of Pogo Pogo, the capital, Cinta Brown said. Water damage and infrastructure damage was reported throughout the island, she said. The village of Leone was "sadly devastated," Brown said. "The wave came onshore and washed out people's homes."

Source: Radio NZ news @ 1500 NZDT

There are reports of people collecting others property that has been washed up on the beach in Samoa following the tsunami. It is being reported as looting.