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Source: ONE News -
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Prime Minister John Key has described the scene that greeted him in tsunami-ravaged Samoa as worse than war-torn Afghhanistan.
Key stepped off a plane on Saturday to see the effects of Wednesday's tsunami for himself.
"It feels more violent than I had pictured myself, it's just catastrophe, worse than Afghanistan," he says.
The damage is hard to comprehend unless you see and smell it first hand.
The death toll stands at 189 - 149 in Samoa, 31 in American Samoa and nine in Tonga. It is expected to rise further.
Key arrived in Samoa aboard an air force plane on Saturday morning and returns to New Zealand on Saturday night.
As well as offering $1 million in aid, Key said a simple "thank you" to the locals who have helped the New Zealand tourists affected by the tsunami. He then sat and listened to stories of incredible survival and heart breaking loss.
The Prime Minister's visit has made him a chief in the Samoan people's eyes. He was made a chief, or "ali'i", of the devastated village of Poutasi.
The title, given as he drank kava in the village's meeting house, meant he would be known as "To'osavili Sione Key".
The Prime Minister met a family friend in Poutasi village before going to the hardest-hit area, Lalomanu.
He also met Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, before flying out.
All day the Kiwi contingent ferried supplies back and forth but Key has realised they need more and he is determined they will get it from New Zealand.
"Obviously New Zealand is going to be giving more aid, this is just a starting point," Key says.
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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