Two days after the devastating tsunami that struck Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga, the combined death toll is now 155 with a major relief operation underway and the search for survivors and victims continuing.
The Samoa death toll is at 115, American Samoa 31 and Tonga 9.
The disaster management office said there are no confirmed figures on the number of people left homeless in Samoa, but 32,000 people have been affected in some way while Tongan officials estimate that about 1,600 could be affected by the disaster.
Samoan Ula Ta'amilo, who has lost her four children and her mother to the tsunami, is calling for help.
Ta'amilo, who was visiting her mother in the village of Lalu-Manu when the tsunami struck, said she is still searching for a suitcase full of family photos and birth certificates, her husband said he wants to help but does not know where to start.
Charlie Pearse, a school teacher from New Zealand who was in a truck with school children when waves hit, tells of her ordeal.
The Suva based UNICEF Pacific will be providing humanitarian assistance and has also mobilized its emergency response team.
In a statement, UNICEF Pacific representative Dr Isiye Ndombi assured immediate support adding that UNICEF Pacific will be working closely with its Samoan and Tongan partners to provide immediate assistance and relief to the people.
Ndombi added they will be immunizing children against measles and establish good sanitation facilities to prevent outbreak of the disease to ensure protection of women and children.
Meanwhile, the European Commission's humanitarian department is providing 150,000 Euros in fast-track emergency relief following the tsunami.
In a statement, it stated this initial funding will be disbursed to the International Red Cross Federation through their Disaster Response Emergency Fund to assist with primary emergency needs in Samoa depending upon the first on the ground assessments.
Fiji Red Cross director Alison Cupit said they have decided to launch a public appeal for the people of Samoa and Tonga.
Cupit added members of the public who would like to make a contribution to this appeal can deposit their donations to:
The Red Cross Pacific Tsunami Appeal, Account number: 1044-0224, at the ANZ Bank, Swift Code ANZBFUX.
Donations can also be dropped at the Fiji Red Cross national office at 22 Gorrie Street.
Major relief operation underway
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