Aussie girl, woman die in Samoa tsunami

A six-year-old girl has died in the Samoa tsunami, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says.
"We have ... had confirmed the death of a six-year-old girl, an Australian," he said.
There were no further details.
Mr Rudd said the death of the young girl was an absolute tragedy.
There are grave fears for another three Australians, who are missing, he told the
Seven Network.
The girl is Australia's second confirmed victim.
Marree Blacker, of Longford in Tasmania, was celebrating her 50th birthday with her
husband John, a well-known horse-trainer, when the disaster struck.
The prime minister offered the prayers and thoughts of the nation to both families.
Seven Australians are in hospital but the exact number of Australians injured is in
a state of flux.
Troy Blacker says his brother John has a broken jaw and few other injuries.
"John's got few injuries sustained in the earthquake and unfortunately Maree has
been confirmed killed," Mr Blacker said.
He said the couple were in their room when the quake hit.
"The water and all that went over the top of them," he said.
"They felt the earthquake and then ran outside and when they went outside the waves
were there to get them."
Mr Blacker said the couple had arrived on the island at the weekend.
Melbourne man Nick Rees says his father has suspected broken ribs after being caught
in the disaster.
Mr Rees said his mother, father and sister were in Samoa.
Consular officials in the Samoan capital Apia are assisting 20 Australians, who have
lost "mostly everything".
There are fears the death toll - which currently stands at 75 - could go much higher
after the 8.3 magnitude quake struck Samoa and American Samoa early Tuesday morning
local time (0348 Wednesday AEST), triggering a massive tsunami that washed through
the Pacific.
Another seven people have been killed in Tonga and three are missing.
Samoa has formally asked for help from Australia, New Zealand and France, which are
discussing how to best to provide aid such as tents, water purification tablets and
medical supplies.
Tonga has not yet asked for formal help.
Mr Rudd spoke to Samoa's acting prime minister earlier on Wednesday, offering the
nation's sympathies and whatever practical assistance was needed.
"We see our friends in Samoa as part of our Pacific family," he told reporters.
"We are working ... very closely, not just with the Samoans, but with our friends in
New Zealand, the government of France, and others who are active in the region to
provide all levels of practical support possible.
"But it may take some time before the full impact of this natural disaster is known."
Australia will despatch chartered aircraft with medical supplies, search and rescue
teams and disaster recovery equipment on Wednesday night.
Canberra still has two RAAF Hercules on standby at Richmond air base to deploy, as
necessary.
Australia is in constant discussions with New Zealand and France to work out the
best way to provide assistance.
A disaster response team of officials from foreign affairs and defence was set to
leave for Samoa on Wednesday afternoon.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has reissued its travel advice
for Samoa, warning of the dangers associated with the disaster that hit parts of the
island popular with tourists.
Authorities aren't sure exactly how many Australians may be in the affected areas
but foreign affairs parliamentary secretary Bob McMullan said it was expected to be
in the hundreds given the number who holidayed and worked in Samoa.
The numbers could be higher because of school holidays in Australia.
Tourists should still be able to leave by commercial flights but the government will
consider additional assistance, if necessary.
The earthquake's proximity to Samoa and American Samoa meant communities had little
warning of the impending giant wave that it triggered.
Mr McMullan said there was nothing to suggest the tsunami warning system had not
worked.
"(But) if it is an issue we will have a look after we have dealt with the
humanitarian crisis," he said.