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Source: ONE News -
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed seven New Zealanders are now dead after the tsunami in Samoa.
MFAT confirmed on Monday morning that five adults and two young children died in the tsunami that struck the island nation on Wednesday morning.
Although MFAT is not releasing any more names at present, the two deceased added to the death toll are sisters Petria and Rebecca Martin from Matamata. Their parents, Kerry and Lynne Martin have held a press conference in Samoa.
They say they it's going to take the family a very long time to come to terms with what has happened.
Rebecca 24, and Petria 22, were staying at Taufua Lodge resort in Lalomanu, the worst-hit area when the tsunami struck.
They were on the island holidaying with their cousin and a friend.
The girls parents finding some comfort in the fact their daughters were together when they died.
"We are taking them home together," they say. " The fact that they have been found and we can take them home is probably the most comfort we can have."
One other New Zealander, a young child, is missing, presumed dead.
MFAT is still following up on approximately 10 general enquiries about New Zealanders, some of whom may no longer be in Samoa.
Meanwhile, health authorities in Samoa are warning of the serious health risks survivors in shanty towns face.
Up to 20,000 people along the coastlines are likely to be affected, as the rainy season approaches.
Doctors warn vulnerable people will die as infections start to take hold, with no water supply in some areas and broken down sanitation systems causing major concern.
At least 180 people were killed in the islands of Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga, with the death toll expected to rise.
The Samoan government plans to hold a national funeral service for the victims and burial on Friday.
If you have any stories of the disaster, share them on the messageboard below, where you can also send your condolences to the people of Samoa.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentjaxlino said on 2009-10-07 @ 14:15 NZDT: Report abusive post
anyone from the Satitoa village?
markservian said on 2009-10-05 @ 21:05 NZDT: Report abusive post
Tai Taufua is interviewed in this story... http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/church-comforts-many-in-samoa-3048401/video
Liviyj12 said on 2009-10-05 @ 19:30 NZDT: Report abusive post
i feel sorry fot those who have been affected.... i also feel sorry for Vai. he has lost so much of his family..:(
Micksta said on 2009-10-05 @ 11:16 NZDT: Report abusive post
My heart goes out to everyone who has lost family member/s in the earthquake and tsunami. I know what it would be like, as I was in Samoa as the earthquake struck and I read and saw the devastating effects of the tsunami that followed, both in newspapers and also for real. I would like to say that Nuu Black Sand Beach was hit my the tsunami and is in a bad state (Not that much of an attraction now).
PurpleOlive said on 2009-10-05 @ 09:04 NZDT: Report abusive post
I am so sad for all who have lost family members. We are humbled by how quickly lives can be lost. Our hearts go out to each and every one of you and I cry tears for your sweet babies. Your pain is shared by our thoughts and may you find the strength within yourselves to carry on, xox