The Prime Minister of Samoa says
77 people were killed
and 150 injured by a tsunami in the South Pacific.
At least 24 people died on American Samoa.
Thousands of people's homes have been destroyed
and the final number of deaths is expected to be higher
as Phil Mercer reports from Sydney.
A brutal act of nature has shattered parts of Samoa
and neighboring American Samoa.
The rescue effort is continuing
with pledges of international support led by the United States.
The number of dead has slowly increased
since the tsunami struck after dawn
and there are fears it will keep on rising
as emergency teams reach isolated areas.
Foreign tourists including a British toddler
and a 6-year-old Australian girl are among the deads.
Officials believe that
many of the victims were washed out to sea
as their homes were destroyed by waves
reportedly up to 11 meters high.