Death toll continues to rise

The death toll continues to rise following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga four days ago and it is now feared that an outbreak of disease could claim more.

The combined death toll is now 165, 125 people are confirmed dead in Samoa, 31 in American Samoa and 9 in Tonga.

Authorities in Samoa are warning there could be a major disease outbreak if fresh water and food is not distributed quickly to survivors.

Also a strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Tonga and Samoa at around 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon, just two days after the giant tremor which caused a devastating tsunami in the region.

No immediate tsunami warning was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii and Fiji's Mineral Resource Department's senior seismologist Lasarusa Vuetibau said the quake will not trigger a tsunami.

The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, about 242 km off Tonga's northwest island of Neiafu.

Acting Prime Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau said they have already informed Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga about their willingness to assist the people and they are now awaiting response from the countries.