When they return to their Amaroo home it will be without their ‘‘happiest of miracles’’ – six-yearold daughter Clea. Confirmed by Samoan authorities as one of the 170 lives claimed by Wednesday’s tsunami, Clea was torn from her father’s arms as the first waves struck. Media reports from Samoa said witnesses had spoken of the heartwrenching sight of Clea’s father, a Spanish-born Canberra academic, wading the muddy waters and calling his daughter’s name for more than three hours after the powerful waves smashed into the southern coast of Samoa’s Upolu Island.

Clea’s body was later found in a small gully beside several other children. Staff at Clea’s school – Amaroo Primary – were devastated by news of the Year 1 student’s death. Her brothers also attend the school. The three children were due to return to school in a week’s time. Amaroo principal Anne Huard said Clea was a bright part of the school community. ‘‘She was a delightful young person and she is going to be very much missed by her teachers and by her friends,’’ she said. ‘‘Our deepest sympathies go to her family.’’

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