Over 100 people are reported dead and dozens more missing after a major tsunami hit the Samoan islands last night.

Sweeping over the regions of Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) and the U.S. territory American Samoa, the tsunami struck minutes after a massive 8.3-magnitude earthquake triggered it at dawn, giving residents little time to respond.

On Wednesday, President Barack Obama declared a major disaster for the region, vowing a "full, swift and aggressive response," to the situation.

"The Federal Emergency Management Agency is in close and constant contact with emergency responders, and the U.S. Coast Guard is fully supporting the deployment of resources to those areas in need of immediate assistance. We also stand ready to help our friends in Samoa and the region," Obama stated.

Faith-based groups, including Catholic relief and development agency Caritas are also on hand to assist the affected region, with leading people to higher ground and setting up shelters being currently the priorities for the area, according to Caritas Samoa Director Puletini Tuala. The National Disaster Team and the Red Cross are also coordinating their response efforts with Caritas.