US Ambassador in Samoa during tsunami evacuation

27/02/2010 13:22

By Tusitiana Filia

The United States Ambassador to Samoa H.E David Hebner evacuated along with many of the locals in the early hours of Saturday morning after the Samoa tsunami alert was issued.

Hebner who is currently on his first official visit to Samoa told Karn Ocamb of the Huffington Post that he was in the process of locating Americans in Samoa to ensure their safety.

He said: "I am making calls with Embassy staff to Peace Corps volunteers and other Americans in country to make sure they are aware and moving."

The Ambassador said he was the evacuation went well.

"People have evacuated appropriately, and I am sure that we will be fine."

The Ambassador will return to New Zealand next week.