LALOMANU, Samoa: Survivors recounted terrifying tales of narrow escapes and tragic loss on Wednesday after once-in-a-lifetime tsunamis ravaged the Samoan islands.

Most were shocked at the lightning speed at which the waves hit, killing at least 150 people, just minutes after the worst earthquake in 90 years rocked the archipelago early on Tuesday.

Actress Pamela Stephenson, wife of Scottish comedian Billy Connollydescribed the disaster as "scary as hell".