Is is surprising that there was an earthquake of large magnitude near American Samoa today?
A magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck in Pacific Ocean near American Samoa today, but officials have not issued a tsunami warning for the California coast. The temblor hit about 10:48 p.m. PDT, and there was no immediate word of injuries or damage. Federal authorities said it’s unclear whether the quake formed a tsunami — but even if it did, there is no danger to the Pacific coast of California, Oregon or Washington at this time. Officials did issue a watch for the Hawaiian Islands as well as other island areas, including New Zealand and New Guinea. American Samoa is more than 4,000 miles from Los Angeles. Sources: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/09/no-california-tsumani-warning-from-79-american-samoa-earthquake.
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — A tsunami swept into Pago Pago, American Samoa, shortly after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 8.3 erupted in the area. A U.S. National Parks Service official told Reuters Tuesday that the earthquake and the tsunami caused some deaths in American Samoa, but that report could not be independently confirmed Fili Sagapolutele, who works at the Samoa News, said the water flowed inland about 100 yards before receding, leaving some cars stuck in the mud. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu issued a tsunami warning for American Samoa and other areas of the Pacific, including New Zealand. A tsunami watch was posted for other areas, including Hawaii and the Marshall Islands. There are reports that some beaches in Hawaii are being closed as a precaution. Police were at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center to offer protection and assistance in the event that a large wave formed. American Samoa, a group of islands, is a U.S. territory located in th
