7:14 PM |
The Air Force has confirmed it is sending a P-3 Orion to the areas affected by the quake and tsunami.
A spokesman says the Orion is to conduct a reconnaissance mission surveying Samoa as well as the northern area of the Tongan island group.
"New Zealand's diplomatic missions throughout the Pacific are in contact with local authorities to gather as much information as possible on the situation and how New Zealand may be able to assist," McCully says.
"Information is still coming to hand, but there are early reports of casualties in Samoa, as well as significant damage to many villages.
"New Zealanders in Samoa are advised to follow any advice or instructions issued by the local authorities. People should stay tuned to local radio for advice; stay away from the sea, and move to higher ground.
"The New Zealand High Commission in Apia is working to contact New Zealanders in Samoa to check on their well-being. We are also encouraging New Zealanders in Samoa to contact friends and family at home to allay any concerns."
People concerned about family members in Samoa should try to make contact with them in the first instance. Those with ongoing concerns can call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 04 439 8000, and provide as many contact details as possible.
Anyone worried about the safety of non-New Zealand relatives in Samoa should contact the Samoan High Commission on 04 472 0953.
Meanwhile, Air New Zealand is adding an additional 150 seats and extra cargo capacity to its scheduled service from Auckland to Samoa on Wednesday afternoon in the event aid support is required for tsunami struck communities.
General Manager Airline Operations David Morgan says the service has been up-gauged from a 152 seat A320 to a 304 seat Boeing 777-200ER.
"We are acutely aware that this is an evolving situation and government and aid agencies may require the ability to move people or supplies at short notice," Morgan says.
"We have been in touch with the New Zealand government and offered whatever support we can to emergency relief efforts and to repatriate any Kiwis who want to leave Samoa and get home."
The New Zealand Red Cross has also launched a Samoa Tsunami Relief project at givealittle.co.nz
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