Her daughter Jane said her mother was injured, but could not disclose specific details, saying it had been hard for the family themselves to confirm the exact nature of her injuries.

She said it had been difficult to get correct information, due to the language barrier.

"Apart from her being in a stable condition, we know she is being looked after,F Ms Rowlands said.

She said the family had no plans at this point to go to Samoa, as it was hard to get in and out of the country after the tsunami.

Mrs Rowlands, a Ballarat High School teacher, was holidaying at the Samoan beach resort area of Lalomanu with Mt Clear College teacher Vivien Hodgins when the tsunami hit.

The family was unable to say when Ms Hodgins' body would be flown home.

Ballarat High School expressed concern for Mrs Rowland's welfare, and the tragic death of Ms Hodgins.

Acting principal Jessica Sergeant said the school was devastated by the loss of a highly valued member of Ballarat's teaching community.

"We want to express our condolences to Vivien Hodgins' family and the school community of Mt Clear College," she said in a statement.

Ms Sergeant said the school had made contact with the Rowlands family and the school community was relieved to hear she was recovering.

"Claire is an extremely valued teacher within our school community," she said.

"We have offered support on behalf of Ballarat High School, but we are mostly looking forward to seeing Claire arrive back in Ballarat safe and well."

The Rowlands family, comprising Claire's husband John, and daughters Jane, Anna and Lucy, said they were all "incredibly shocked and sad" at the death of their long-time family friend Viv.

"The Hodgins-Mays are like our second family," they said in a statement.

Mr Rowlands also gave his thanks.

"We greatly appreciate the support given by so many family and friends, but also the assistance given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Federal Police, who have worked tirelessly to assist us,"

he said.