Dangerous tsunami waves from the earthquake have been seen up to 300 kilometers from the epicenter along the coasts of Niue and Tonga, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC). Earlier a warning had been issued by the center for American Samoa. The quake was at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the USGS. In its latest update, the PTWC found that a tsunami was generated by the earthquake and that American Samoa faces a threat from sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents. The phenomenon could pose a hazard along beaches, in harbors and in coastal waters, according to the center. The earliest estimated time that dangerous sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents may begin in American Samoa is at 1230 AM. SST today, PTWC reported. He added: “People in or near the ocean along the coasts of all of American Samoa should be immediately moved out of the water and away from beaches and harbors. “Do not return to evacuated areas until given the all-clear by local authorities. Follow any instructions from government agencies.”
