30 Sep 2009

Powerful quake generates tsunami

9:16 am on 30 September 2009

A powerful 8 magnitude earthquake in the Pacific off the Samoa islands region has generated a tsunami.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says sea level readings indicate a tsunami was generated.

The West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center says a tsunami has been observed at Apia, Western Samoa, and at Pago Pago, American Samoa.

The waves at Pago Pago were 5.1 feet or1.57 metres above normal sea level.

The Center earlier said a tsunami warning had been issued for American Samoa, and other Pacific countries including Samoa, New Zealand, Niue, Wallis-Futuna, Tokelau, Cook Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Kermadec Islands, Fiji, Kermadec Islands, French Polynesia, Howland-Baker, Jarvis Island, and Palmyrais Island.

A tsunami watch is in effect for Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Johnston Island, New Caledonia, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Wake Island, Pitcairn and Midway Island

The epicenter of the quake was located 190 km southwest of American Samoa.