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A New Zealander has been confirmed amongst those killed in the Solomon Islands tsunami but four others remain unaccounted for.
Porirua man Teangauki Toma, 53, died trying to save his mother from the tsunami yesterday.
The four missing New Zealanders have not been in contact since a huge earthquake triggered the tsunami which struck outlying islands in the impoverished South Pacific state, killing at least 15 people.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) said today although four were missing, that did not mean they were dead.
"Communications are quite remote. The other thing is that they may have left the area and we may not know. We are just trying to contact them," said MFAT spokeswoman Helen Tunnah.
One of the missing New Zealanders is believed to be a New Zealand Volunteer Service Abroad marine scientist.
He was reported to have been last seen on Friday when he went on a survey.
His partner was reported to be safe.
VSA had about eight workers in the Solomons.
The missing man and his partner had been living for two years on an island just off Ghizo, one of the worst hit islands.
Getting supplies to victims is the most difficult task in the aftermath of yesterday's devastating tsunami, the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office says.
National Disaster Management Office programme manager Julian Mekai said latest reports put the death toll at 18, with as many as 900 homes destroyed and 5000 people displaced.
Forty New Zealand soldiers are due to come back tomorrow but given the circumstances that is not definite now, James Heffield, the spokesperson for the New Zealand Army, said.
Management office spokesman Julian Makaa says teams are still out assessing the damage and more will be known when they report back. Boats are taking food, water, tents and other essential needs to those affected.
Condolences
Foreign Minister Winston Peters offered the Solomons Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare his condolences today after yesterday's tsunami left at least 15 dead.
"Although we don't yet have a picture of the full scale of the destruction, several deaths have already been confirmed, and more are expected as a number of people are missing, and others have been seriously injured," Mr Peters said in a statement.
"There has also been widespread damage to towns and villages on islands close to the epicentre of the earthquake in western Solomon Islands, and it appears several thousand people have been left homeless.
"This is a tragedy for the government and people of the Solomon Islands. New Zealand offers its condolences to them, and we stand ready to offer what assistance we can.
The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (Ramsi), of which New Zealand was part, had sent a helicopter to assess the destruction.
An aid package may be decided when the helicopter returns from a flight over the damaged areas.
"Once we have a clearer picture, we will be in a better position to decide exactly what help is needed," Mr Peters said.
Defence force plan
Defence Minister Phil Goff said a defence force plane would leave for the Solomons today taking tents, tarpaulins and food for people in the devastated areas.
He said it would also carry other equipment and could possibly pick up people from Honiara to take to the stricken areas.
Mr Goff said he had not yet received a full briefing from the Defence Force but had been told it could assist with the deployment of equipment and supplies to the affected area.
"It is fortunate we have a C130 (Hercules) going up there at this time that will be able to be employed to assist in that way and immediately," Mr Goff said.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen said the Government was still waiting on advice about damage in the Solomons before committing funds to help.
He expected the Cabinet policy committee to be given an update tomorrow.
"I'm sure we will come to the aid of the Solomons."
- NZPA / NEWSTALK ZB
