IAEM Oceania

Source: Radio NZ Online

Samoa's disaster management office says more than 32,000 people have been affected in some way by the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that struck in the South Pacific on Wednesday.

The office puts the confirmed death at 83, though it expects that will rise. In neighbouring American Samoa 24 people have perished and seven people died in Tonga in the aftermath of the 8.0 magnitude quake.

Two New Zealanders are confirmed dead and another is missing presumed dead. One of those killed has been named as Mary Ann White of Raglan.

As of Thursday, 16 New Zealanders were injured and another 300 have been confirmed as alive and well. Enquires about 160 people are still being followed up, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.

Seven people were killed in the tsunami, three are missing and at least four are critically injured. Tonga's disaster officials estimate up to 1600 people may be homeless.