An 8.3 magnitude quake struck 35km below the ocean floor, causing a tsunami to hit the Pacific islands of Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga killing at least 113 people, including four Australians

An emergency hotline has been set up  on 1300 555 135 for anyone worried about friends or relatives

This was followed by a 7.6-magnitude quake that has brought down buildings in Indonesia, including hospitals, hotels and homes .The death toll on Sumatra island has so far been put at 200, but authorities expect that to rise dramatically in coming hours.

These people are going to need a lot of support and I recommend that if you wish to help that you get in touch with Care Australia or Red Cross two trusted charities that do such good work.

My thoughts are with these people as they search for those lost and try to find shelter and food – my family have already started a donation drive for clothes and canned goods in our local area

– can YOU help by doing something in YOUR community?