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Strong earthquake hits Samoa Islands
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-15 04:26

WASHINGTON - An earthquake measured 6.0 magnitude shocked Samoa Islands region on Thursday, the US Geological Survey said.

The earthquake occurred at about 0600 local time (1800 GMT Wednesday) at the depth of 10 kilometers. The epicenter was 165 kilometers northwest of Tonga's Hihifo.

No immediate tsunami alert was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center following the quake.

The strong earthquake came two weeks after earthquake and tsunami claimed about 200 lives in Tonga, Samoa and American Samoa.