NZ death toll from Samoa tsunami rises to 7

October 05, 2009 01:09:10 PM

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The number of New Zealanders confirmed dead in the Samoan tsunami has risen to seven, New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Monday.

"We can confirm seven New Zealanders have died -- five adults and two young children. One other New Zealander -- a young child -- is missing, presumed dead," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry did not name those who had died in Tuesday's tsunami but two sisters aged in their twenties who were holidaying on the southern side of Samoa's Upolu island were the latest to be confirmed dead.

Another 10 New Zealanders -- some of whom may have already left Samoa -- are still being sought by the ministry.

The total number of people confirmed dead from the tragedy in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga stands at 176 with grave fears held for another 12 others still missing.

All the New Zealand deaths were in Samoa.