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The death toll from this week's devastating tsunamis rose to at least 180 yesterday, as a fresh earthquake rattled the region around Samoa.
The United States Geological Service recorded a 6.3 magnitude quake centred 10km deep, 242km from Tonga, but no damage had been reported last night.
Aid from the
US, Australia and New Zealand poured in for the victims of four powerful tsunamis which crashed into Samoa and the remote Tongan island of Niuatoputatu on Wednesday.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has cut short his US holiday and will fly to Samoa today.
More than 200 New Zealanders believed to have been in Samoa when the waves hit remain unaccounted for.
The High Commission in Apia yesterday urged them to make contact with it. A further 619 New Zealanders are confirmed alive and well.
Three New Zealanders are known to have died, and another, a toddler, is missing, presumed drowned.
There are also grave fears for the wellbeing of two other New Zealanders who were at the Taufua Resort, in Lalomanu, when the tsunamis hit.
A group of injured New Zealanders are expected to arrive home today on an Air Force flight. The 14 injured Kiwis are being accompanied by six family members, with three Britons and two Germans.
They are expected to arrive at Auckland's Whenuapai Airport early today before being taken to hospital.
Workers at an emergency supply base began carting water, food, tarpaulins and clothes to 3000 people in hills near the devastated village of Lalomanu on the south coast of the main Samoan island of Upolu.
Two New Zealand Air Force military aircraft, one carrying Foreign Minister Murray McCully, left for Samoa yesterday.
They took medical evacuation and search and rescue teams, and equipment including a desalination plant to supply fresh water.
The Navy ship Canterbury is to sail to the islands next week.
New Zealanders have donated more than $350,000 to the tsunami relief fund. The Government has given $1 million in aid and that is expected to grow.
The US and Australia have sent supplies and troops, including a US Navy frigate carrying two helicopters.
New Zealanders worried about family members should call 0800 432-111.
- AGENCIES
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Pacific Cooperation Foundation
Deposits can be made at at any Westpac branch. All the money raised will go to the Samoan Government
Red Cross
- Make a secure online donation at redcross.org.nz
- Send cheques to the Samoan Red Cross Fund, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144
- Call 0900 31 100 to make an automatic $20 donation
- Make a donation at any NZ Red Cross office
ANZ bank
Make a donation at any ANZ bank branch, or donate directly to the ANZ appeal account: 01 1839 0143546 00
Oxfam
- Make a secure online donation at
Oxfam.org.nz
- Phone 0800 400 666 or make an automatic $20 donation by calling 0900 600 20