John
03-20-2009, 07:44 AM
The quake occured about 130 miles southeast of Nuku'alofa, Tonga, the US National Weather Service's Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said.
A tsunami warning was issued for Tonga, Niue, Kermadec Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.
"Sea level readings indicate a tsunami was generated," the centre said in a bulletin.
"It may have been destructive along coasts near the earthquake epicentre."
The Tsunami warning was rescinded after no major waves were observed in any of the areas believed to be at risk.
Police in the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa said there were no reports of injury or damage immediately after the earthquake.
One Tonga resident told reporters the tremor had lasted for "something like 20 seconds".
Another said she had felt it for about 30 seconds, during which time there a lot of "rattling and shaking".
Tonga police said people in the streets laughed when they heard there had been a tsunami warning.
A tsunami warning was issued for Tonga, Niue, Kermadec Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.
"Sea level readings indicate a tsunami was generated," the centre said in a bulletin.
"It may have been destructive along coasts near the earthquake epicentre."
The Tsunami warning was rescinded after no major waves were observed in any of the areas believed to be at risk.
Police in the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa said there were no reports of injury or damage immediately after the earthquake.
One Tonga resident told reporters the tremor had lasted for "something like 20 seconds".
Another said she had felt it for about 30 seconds, during which time there a lot of "rattling and shaking".
Tonga police said people in the streets laughed when they heard there had been a tsunami warning.