Powerful 8.3 Earthquake Strikes Between Samoa and American Samoa

A powerful 8.3-magnitude earthquake struck American Samoa around dawn Tuesday, sending terrified residents fleeing for higher ground as a tsunami swept ashore. There were no immediate reports of fatalities.

The temblor hit at 6:48 a.m. Tuesday (1748 GMT) midway between the two island groups. In Apia, families reported shaking that lasted for up to three minutes. The U.S. Geological Service said the quake struck 20 miles (35 kilometers) below the ocean floor, 120 miles (190 kilometers) from American Samoa and 125 miles (200 kilometers) from Samoa.

http://www.reuters.com/article/OILINT/idUSN2916198620090929