At least 40 people are now reported to have been killed in the Samoan islands after a powerful 8.3 magnitude earthquake sent tsunami waves smashing into the coast of Samoa this morning.
According to ABC news many more people are reported to have been washed out to sea and there are reports that villages have been completely wiped out.
Meanwhile, Radio New Zealand International's correspondent in Apia Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia said there are reports of missing fishermen and of school buildings severely damaged.
Meanwhile, the head of security for the Aggie Grey's Hotel Resort in Apia, Fred Crichton says people have been told to go to higher ground.
There were unconfirmed reports of even larger waves hitting American Samoa, reaching about 800 meters inland.
New Zealander Derek Webb who works at the Tradewinds Hotel in Pago Pago said he and the 50 guests are sheltering on the third floor of the hotel.
According to reports three other tremors were felt in the region after the initial huge earthquake.
In Fiji,
Some villagers in the Yasawas were seen collecting fish from the reef this morning after the sea level went very low following the Tsunami warning.
Managing Director of Oarsman Bay Resort Ratu Epeli Bogileka said soon after they saw huge waves measuring about a meter high.
Ratu Epeli said they have about 21 guests at the resort.
40 reported dead in Samoa
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