IAEM Oceania

Source: New Zealand Government

NZ ready to assist after Samoan earthquake, tsunami

New Zealand stands ready to assist Samoa and the wider Pacific region following the earthquake this morning and reports of a tsunami, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said.

"New Zealand's diplomatic missions throughout the Pacific are in contact with local authorities to gather as much information as possible on the situation and how New Zealand may be able to assist," Mr McCully said.

Source: Radio New Zealand news @ 1200 NZDT

76 New Zealanders registered as being in Samoa, likely to be many more there.
Many tourist villages appear to have worn the brunt of the tsunami.
No reports of New Zealanders injured in Samoa.
MFAT reports at least 5 fatalities in Samoa.

Anyone with enquires about people in New Zealand should contact the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade on 04 439 8000

Source: Canterbury CDEM Group

30 Sept. 2009

12:00 noon

CIVIL DEFENCE

MEDIA STATEMENT

Due to the recent 8.3 magnitude earthquake in Samoa, the Canterbury Emergency Management Group is monitoring the current tsunami situation closely.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has issued another tsunami advisory regarding a second wave, recorded at Raol Island which is located north of the North Island, to be larger than the first wave. The reports are that this wave is approximately 1 metre.

Source: GeoNet Tsunami Gauges

Tide gauges

Tide guages with tides removed

Source: NZ National Radio live @ 1140

Interviewing NZ Police liaison Ross Ardern in Apia, Fiji.

Sounds like significant damage has occurred in villages on the southern side of Samoa. There are a number of tourist villages located there.

Source: NZ National Radio live @ 1130

At least 11 fatalities have been confirmed in Samoa. Interviewing Secretary General of Red Cross Samoa.

I have just received some updated links from MFAT/Safetravel.govt.nz for those looking for more information.

• MFAT page on Samoa
• Samoa: Earthquake and Tsunami

Samoa: Earthquake and Tsunami
Posted: 30 September 2009, 11:20 NZDT

A magnitude 8.3 earthquake struck Samoa earlier today and aftershocks are possible. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is reporting that a tsunami has been generated in the Pacific.

Source: Associated Press via Yahoo!

Quake triggers Tsunami in American Samoa, 14 die
By FILI SAGAPOLUTELE, For The Associated Press Fili Sagapolutele, For The Associated Press – 8 mins ago

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa – Officials in American Samoa say at least 14 people were killed when a tsunami swept ashore in the South Pacific country after a powerful earthquake hit nearby.

Source: Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management

Tsunami warning downgraded
Coastal sensors have detected the first tsunami wave from the recent earthquake in Samoa. Sensors indicate a wave of 40cm. On the basis of this data, the Ministry is downgrading the tsumai warning to a tsunami alert. The first wave may not be the largest so people are still advised to stay away from beaches, river mouths and esturies until an all clear has been issued.

Estimate wave height is 40cm.

The New Zealand Red Cross has set up an appeal on Givealittle to collect funds for those impacted by this mornings events.

http://www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/pacifictsunami