Reports up to 40 dead after quake, tsunami hit Samoa

There are reports a child was lost in the tsunami when it hit Manono Island, pictured. File photo / NZ Herald

There are unconfirmed reports that 40 people from the Samoan village of Lalomanu - on the south-eastern end of the island of Upolu - have been killed.

A New Zealand man called Radio Samoa in Auckland saying he had been in touch with his family in Lalomanu.

Family members said up to 40 people had died following the magnitude 8.3 earthquake and tsunami which hit the island in the early hours of this morning.

Associated Press reporter Keen Elsa said three or four villages on the popular tourist coast near the southern town of Lalomanu on Samoa's main island of Upolu had been "wiped out" by the waves that roared ashore early today.

Keni said he had visited the town's main hospital where "there are bodies everywhere," including at least one child.

The Samoan government has not yet confirmed fatalities.

Officials in neighbouring American Samoa say at least 14 people have been killed there.

Kisa Kupa - a New Zealand citizen who now lives in Samoa - says sirens are still ringing loudly on the main island of Upolu, warning people to head inland or to higher ground.

"My kids were terrified this morning - the house was shaking like anything and objects dropping and smashing on the floor."

She said there were at least three reported deaths - all children - from the village of Poutasi.

"Children have died and this is very sad because there was no warning when it hit. People were only just getting up."

Map of the affected area

View Samoa earthquake in a larger map

Locals on the island of Savai'i, west of Upolu are reporting that the sea has receded and no water is visible.

While everyone in the area has moved to higher ground, there are fears that the water will return as a tsunami.