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PACIFIC TSUNAMI SITREP XXIV 
[UNCLASSIFIED]
 
Situation as at 1430 on 7 October NZST
 
  
There has been little change reported since sitrep XXIII of 2200 last night – 
please refer to this for full details.  Latest developments in brief below.
 
  
Samoa
 
  
•                      
The official death toll remains at 142, with 335 casualties and 7 
missing.
 
•                      
We are expecting that by mid next week the Government of 
Samoa will be ready to advise donors on priorities for reconstruction.  
 
Assistance / New Zealand Action
 
•                      
Two more medical personnel will be arriving in Samoa today.  The 
NZ Ministry of Health is also responding to a request for a lab technician.  
 
•                      
Having completed their tasks, a number of NZ government 
resources/personnel will begin returning to New Zealand this week, 
including
 
•                   
One of the two NZDF Iroquois crews.
 
•                   
The NZ Police specialist search team, who will conclude their 
searching of the south coast of Upolu tomorrow. 
 
•                   
One NZ Police radio technician, with the other staying in 
Samoa until at least next week to ensure the radio network remains 
functional.
 
•                   
The two structural engineers have completed assessments 
and will return to NZ later this week.
 
  
•                      
The 3 hour mini-telethon on TVNZ's Good Morning show this 
morning raised over $100,000 for the victims of the tsunami.  
 
•                      
NZ Customs has been in contact with Samoan communities in 
New Zealand regarding donated goods being prepared for shipping to 
Samoa to ensure export requirements are met.
 
•                      
A delegation from an Auckland Samoan community group is 
planning to attend Thursday’s memorial service in Samoa.  They are also 
organising a service this Sunday at 6pm at the Waitakere Stadium.
 
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Salvation Army and Victim Support continue to meet flights 
returning to Auckland from Samoa and to offer assistance to traumatised 
travellers.  They plan to have an increased presence following the 
memorial service due to be held in Samoa on Thursday morning (Samoa 
time).
 
Tonga
  
  
•                      
The official death toll remains at nine, with seven seriously 
injured.  
 
•                      
The Tonga Red Cross report that aid distribution is near 
completion.  They have also reported that the quantity of donated goods is 
sufficient and attention is turning to reconstruction of key infrastructure.
 
•                      
Road clearance is complete on the main roads.  Tonga 
Communications Corporation is working to restore the Niuatoputapu’s 
satellite link.
 
•                      
Tongan Cabinet seems to be tending towards a decision to 
relocate the village of Hihifo to higher ground.  
 
•                      
PM Sevele is apparently planning on visiting Niuatoputapu next 
week. 
 
Assistance
 
•                      
Tonga has accepted an offer from the NZ Ministry of Civil Defence 
and Emergency Management (MCDEM) for a disaster management 
expert.  The expert will assist Tonga’s National Disaster Management 
Office (NDMO), particularly with donor coordination.
 
Contacts
 
 
•                      
New Zealanders concerned about family members in Samoa should try 
to make contact with them in the first instance.  Those with ongoing concerns 
may call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 04 439 8000, with as many 
contact details as possible.
  
•                      
Offers of assistance should be referred to +64 4 439 8104 or +64 
4 439 8618. 
 
•                      
Additional information, including the latest travel advice for 
Samoa, is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's 
safe travel website: www.safetravel.govt.nz