Scenes of panic are reported in Vanuatu after several earthquakes sparked a tsunami warning.

Civil Defence says a tsunami threat remains in place for NZ despite the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre cancelling its warning.

Radio announcer Epati Tamati may have saved hundreds of lives by not budging from his waterfront studio when the Samoan earthquake struck.

A NZ woman whose home and possessions were washed away by the tsunami found the looting that followed tougher to deal with.

The parents of two girls killed in Samoa's tsunami describe their ordeal as New Zealand's death toll rises to seven.

In the hills above the stricken south coast of Samoa, 49 people are huddled under one tarpaulin.

As the water receded Ioka Fa'aliga-Fauena Yi clutched the body of her lifeless baby, said a prayer and sucked his nose.

Three adults and two children among those confirmed to have died in Wednesday's tragedy.

John Key last night voiced fears that the death toll in tsunami stricken Samoa could rise even higher with the outbreak of disease.

John Key has arrived in Samoa to see for himself the destruction caused by this week's earthquake and tsunami.

84-year-old South Auckland grandmother is among those confirmed dead.