A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit 348 kilometres west southwest of the U.S. territory of Guam.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake occurred just after 7 in the morning local time at a depth of 20 kilometres.
The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre says there was no destructive tsunami threat, however earthquakes of this size can be destructive along coasts near the epicenter.
A quake of this magnitude is capable of widespread, heavy damage, but there were no immediate reports of destruction or injuries.
Meanwhile, the local Emergency Management office in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, some 222 kilometres, north of Guam did not suffer any damage from the earthquake.
