A moderate earthquake struck off the Samoa Islands on Saturday morning, seismologists said.
The earthquake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 5.6, struck about 251 kilometers (156 miles) south-southwest of Apia, Samoa’s capital, at a depth of 31.5 kilometers (19.6 miles), according to the United States Geological Survey. It happened at 09.32 a.m. local time (20.32 UTC).
The earthquake, which was also located about 291.2 kilometers (181 miles) southwest of Pago Pago on American Samoa, had no tsunami potential due to its low magnitude. No damage or casualties are expected.
The region was struck by an 8.1 magnitude earthquake on September 29, 2009, unleashing a deadly tsunami that killed nearly 200 people and injured hundreds more.
The Samoa Islands region is part of the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a region which is often struck by strong earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Most do not cause damage or casualties.
by BNO News
