Strong earthquake hits Samoa

Samoa was hit by a strong earthquake this morning. Photo / US Geological Survey

A strong earthquake has struck Samoa and people have headed inland as a precaution in case of a tsunami.

The quake struck at 8.24am local time, as locals set off for work and school.

It was initially registered at magnitude 6.9 by the US Geological Survey, but was later downgraded to 6.7.

It struck at a depth of 36km, but was initially recorded at a depth of 148km.

A tsunami advisory was issued by the Samoa Meteorological Service, but was later cancelled shortly before 10am.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said based on available data there was no immediate tsunami threat from this quake.

An advisory was also issued in neighbouring American Samoa.

Locals on social media reported the quake to be “very strong”.

“That was the strongest earthquake I’ve ever felt in Samoa,” one woman wrote on Facebook.

Another said: “That was a strong one - earthquake.”

While another person said that felt like a “major earthquake”.

The Samoa Observer newspaper said buildings shook and locals heading into work and school early this morning were affected.

“So far there are no reports of damages or injuries,” the publication said.

There are reports, however, of people heading inland as a precaution - particularly those who live near the sea.

Locals tend to heed tsunami advisories very seriously in Samoa, following the 2009 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that resulted in the deaths of 192 people.

The quake came about 25 minutes after a 5.5 magnitude quake southeast of Vanuatu and New Caledonia.