Reply
Tue 29 Sep, 2009 02:45 pm
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa " A powerful 8.3-magnitude earthquake struck in the South Pacific between Samoa and American Samoa around dawn Tuesday, sending terrified residents fleeing for higher ground as a tsunami swept ashore, flattening at least one village. 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.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a general alert for the South Pacific region, from American Samoa to New Zealand. It said there were indications a tsunami wave could be "destructive" along some coastlines.
New Zealander Graeme Ansell said the beach village of Sau Sau Beach Fale was leveled.
"It was very quick. The whole village has been wiped out," Ansell told National Radio from a hill near Samoa's capital, Apia. "There's not a building standing. We've all clambered up hills, and one of our party has a broken leg. There will be people in a great lot of need 'round here."
A tsunami swept into Pago Pago, capital of American Samoa, shortly after the earthquake, sending sea water surging inland about 100 yards (meters) before receding, leaving some cars stuck in mud.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu issued a tsunami warning for numerous islands in the Pacific, including the Samoas, the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand, French Polynesia and Palmyra Island.
The center posted a tsunami watch for Hawaii, Vanuatu, the Marshall Islands, Solomon Island, Johnston Island, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Wake Island, Midway Island and Pitcairn.
In New Zealand, a tsunami alert was issued by national Civil Defense, and the nation's national emergency center was activated.
Well so far Ive seen nothing on T.V great Civil defense we have here....
No warnings for the Big Island.
Wait a minute - isn't the surviors on the show survivor in Samoa?
@Linkat,
They must be the only ones there, because the rest of the population live in Auckland.
@KiwiChic,
Actually they no longer are on the island - they were as the filming is complete, but that would have added a nice twist to the show - imagine that immunity contest whoever can outrun and outswim and out smart the tsunami.
Full alert announced on the NZ midday news and we all waited with bated breath, many stood atop hill cliffs watching the waters edge and then the Tsunami made its presence.........all 40cm of it!
Latest news on Hawaii Public Radio indicate about 11 fatalities and much damage. And, while there was no tsunami alert on any of the Hawaiian islands, a tsunami watch was instituted immediately and all Hawaii residents have been advised to stay away from the beaches until 7 p.m. tonight. (It is now 5:16 p.m. local time)
@Merry Andrew,
We heard 14 fatalities, poor things.
Stumble It!
Tweet This
Bookmark on Delicious
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace