7.8 Earthquake Hits Samoa; Tsunami Warning Follows

The Samoa islands have been stuck by a 7.9 magnitude earthquake. Tsunami watch has been alerted for New Zealand, American Samoa , and the Hawaiian islands.

The United States Geological Survey website reports that a 7.9 magnitude earthquake has occurred in Samoa this morning. In comparison, the great San Francisco earthquake's magnitude was estimated between 7.7 and 8.25. The epicenter is 110 miles East North East of Hihifo, Tonga; and 125 miles South South West of Apia, Samoa. The size of the earthquake has also triggered a tsunami watch for Hawaii, New Zealand and American Samoa. The agency noted that its warning did not mean a tsunami had necessarily been generated by the quake, Reuters reports. "The warning was issued because a quake of this magnitude had the power to generate a destructive tsunami, it said." This post will be updated as more news is released. Update: MSNBC reports that 10 to 15-foot tidal waves are spotted near Pago Pago. Cars have been seen floating in the city, according to Samoan congressman Eni Faleomavaega. Update: Local weather reporters are stating 14 dead in American Samoa from five Tsunami waves.