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Scoop Audio: Samoan Tsunami Update
Scoop Audio: Samoan Tsunami Update
By Spike Mountjoy
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(Left To Right) Defence Minister Wayne Mapp, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully and Acting Prime Minister Bill English
The official number of dead in Samoa currently stands at 80, with another 30 dead in Tonga and American Samoa. Many are still missing.
Bill English said hospitals have been overwhelmed with injured and dead, and that they need all the help they can get.
There are currently two New Zealanders confirmed dead, and one missing presumed dead. The government estimates there are between 150 and 200 New Zealanders in the area who have not reported in yet. Roughly 300 new Zealanders have reported in safe.
English said New Zealand’s response is focused on finding people, and providing basic medical support and fresh water.
An Air Force c130 Hercules left for Samoa this morning with water containers, tents generators and a temporary morgue. Police with victim identification equipment, communication support and engineers were also on the flight.
The frigate Canterbury will be ready to depart for Samoa in two days, and then take another four days to get to the islands. It will be used to carry heavy items such as building materials and large generators
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