UNICEF New Zealand today launched an urgent appeal to provide aid to the people of Samoa and Tonga following a devastating tsunami that swept the island nations.

Up to 15,000 people have been affected in Samoa alone, in Tonga the island's only hospital has been destroyed and the death toll is expected to rise into the hundreds.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Pacific office has mobilised its emergency response team following the tsunami and will provide immediate humanitarian assistance to Samoa and Tonga and is offering its assistance to American Samoa.

Urgent immunisation supplies are being sent to Samoa and Tonga to guard against an outbreak of disease. Emergency supplies of oral rehydration salts and water purification tablets are also being sent.

UNICEF is also planning to set up nutrition, water and sanitation programs as well as setting up child protection measures. It is believed that up to 6000 children have been impacted by the tsunami in Samoa alone.

UNICEF Pacific Representative, Dr. Isiye Ndombi, today expressed shock over the scale of destruction of the tsunami and the resulting grief to the people of Samoa and Tonga. He said UNICEF will provide immediate support.

"Our hearts and minds are with the children and families of Samoa and Tonga right now. This is a tragedy of unbelievable proportions and UNICEF is ready to work closely and in coordination with our Samoan and Tongan partners and international agencies to provide immediate relief and support," Dr Ndombi said.

UNICEF's experiences shows that it is vital to immediately immunise children against diseases, ensure the protection of women and children who are the most vulnerable and to establish good sanitation facilities to prevent outbreak of diseases.

To donate to the Pacific Tsunami Appeal call 0800 800 194 or go online at www.unicef.org.nz