Parents blame themselves for child's death because they tried to flee torrent in a rental car instead of running for high ground, says a family friend.

Ana Lulai and Rachel Loane were cousins and best friends. They had just finished breakfast on Wednesday and were preparing for school. Then the waves hit.

Lucky survivors of Samoa's deadly tsunami looked like they'd been "churned up in a mass of dirty washing machines" says a surgeon helping on the ground.

More tales of survival and tragedy emerge from the tsunami battered islands.

Members of Parliament are working alongside members of the public as a huge international relief effort gets under way in Samoa and Tonga.

Samoa’s Prime Minister was near tears last night as he addressed his tsunami-hit nation.

Travellers returning from Samoa speak out about their experiences.

Andy and Angie Belcher didn't even have time to unpack their bags before the tsunami hit.

As day breaks the clean-up begins in the coastal area of south-east Upolu Island, which bore the brunt of the post-quake sea surge.

A journalist with the Samoan Observer describes the fear and heartbreak as the terrible events unfolded.

Actress and psychologist Pamela Stephenson described the earthquake in Samoa as scary as hell.

Salamasina Taufua tried desperately to keep her 8-month-old baby above water before Samoa's tsunami forced her to let her go.

New Zealand tourists have told of their terror when the tsunami smashed through their Samoan beach resort.

The tsunami death toll reaches at least 149 as new tales of devastation emerge.

Many of the Kiwis in a Samoan hospital suffered internal injuries when struck by the seven metre high tsunami waves, says a NZ MP who visited them.

Well-intentioned helpers could place extra pressure on already scarce resources, says pastor.