澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2009-09-30（在线收听）

A tsunami in American Samoa has reportedly killed about 40 people, flattened houses and swept away cars. The wave was caused by an 8.3-magnitude earthquake which struck 200 kilometers off the Samoan coast this morning. New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry says many people were swept out to sea and are still unaccounted for. Local hospitals have been inundated by the injured and the Red Cross is assisting medical staff. The capital Apia is reported to be fine. But villages in the south have been badly damaged and residents have been evacuated. Geoscience Australia has downgraded the tsunami warning for the rest of the Pacific.

The Federal Government says seven Australians are in hospital in Samoa. Early reports suggest their injuries are not serious. Anyone with concerns about family in the area should contact the Foreign Affairs Department on 1300 555 135.

Meanwhile, a typhoon that struck the Philippines has now hit Vietnam. At least 30 people have died and the Vietnamese government has ordered the evacuation of more than 170,000 people. Strong winds and heavy rain lash the Central Coast. The Philippines is now preparing for a second storm just days after the typhoon killed 246 people.

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