12 Dec 2023 | 06:10 AM UTC
Samoa: Magnitude-5.7 offshore earthquake occurs in South Pacific Ocean off Apia at 18:33 WST Dec. 12
Magnitude-5.7 offshore earthquake occurs in South Pacific Ocean off Samoa at 18:33 WST Dec. 12. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.
A magnitude-5.7 offshore earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean off Samoa at around 18:33 WST Dec. 12. The epicenter was about 220 km (137 miles) southwest of Apia. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and weak-to-light shaking was probably felt throughout Samoa and American Samoa. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are possible over the coming days. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.
Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.
Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.
