samoa earthquake

A magnitude 8.3 earthquake struck the Samoan Islands Tuesday at 6:48 a.m. (1:28 p.m. ET) according to the U.S. Geological Survey, prompting warnings for islands around the epicenter. Water flowed inland about 100 yards before receding, leaving cars stuck in the mud.

Officials said that they don't believe coastal regions are likely to suffer much damage but that some beaches could see higher-than-usual tides about 9 p.m. Pacific time. Curt Kaplan of the National Weather Service in Oxnard said the seismic activity could bring waves a foot higher than normal.

Reports indicate that at least 40 people are dead. Meteorologist Mase Akapo said the deaths occurred in four different villages on the island of Tutuila and in neighboring Samoa.

The weather service issued a statement that said in part: "A Tsunami Advisory means that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is imminent or expected. Significant, widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival."

The quake struck about 10:45 a.m. about 4,000 miles from Los Angeles, and officials in American Samoa have reported some fatalities.

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