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Source: ONE News -
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It is believed at least one New Zealander has been killed in the tsunami in Samoa.
Acting Prime Minister Bill English says the government has unconfirmed reports one New Zealander is amongst the dead and he says the kiwi death toll is likely to rise.
English also confirmed that there are nine New Zealanders injured, and in hospital in Apia.
Around 150 New Zealanders have also made themselves known to staff at the High Commission, including some with minor injuries.
English says many New Zealanders making themselves known to officials have lost everything, and are being helped by High Commission staff.
There are also a number of New Zealand Samoan families who may have gone back and not be known to be there.
English says he is unable to give any specific details about the dead New Zealander, whether the person was a tourist, or even where they were in Samoa at the time.
He says more details will be released once more information is available.
The New Zealand High Commission in Apia confirmed that at least three New Zealand holidaymakers were caught up in the tidal wave.
"As far as we can tell though their injuries are not serious or life-threatening," acting High Commissioner David Dolphin told NZPA.
"All I know is that somehow they were caught up in the tsunami. I believe they were holidaymakers."
He understood that they had been staying one of the resorts most affected.
Dolphin says that it was possible that other New Zealanders may have been injured as reports continue to come in.
"A large proportion of the south coast has just been obliterated," he says.
He says he was trying to get there from Apia to assess what was needed and how New Zealand could help.
Authorities were to meet later on Wednesday to decide how much aid was needed.
"Our two priorities are first of all to establish that as many New Zealanders as we can track down are safe and well, and secondly to establish what needs the Samoan government has and how we can meet them."
He said about 100 New Zealanders were registered with the High Commission.
"But most don't register when they are just coming for a short holiday."
The earthquake, at 6.48am at a depth of 35km, was centred 205km south of the Samoan capital of Apia, and 2685km northeast of Auckland.
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 New Zealand Red Cross has also launched a Samoa Tsunami Relief project at givealittle.co.nz http://www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/pacifictsunami
