Samoa
September 29, 2009
On September 29, 2009 an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.3 on the Richter scale occurred about 120 miles south from American Samoa. The tsunami was generated by an unusual type of earthquake that occurs near ocean trenches. The earthquake struck midway between Samoa and American Samoa (U.S territory.) The earthquake occurred on the outer rise of the Kermadec-Tonga subduction zone. In some areas, the waves were up to about 20 feet high. The tsunami waves measuring 4.5m at peak first arrived at Pago Pago, American Samoa approximately 250 km from earthquake epicenter.
The 2009 tsunami occurred due to the tectonic movements of the Pacific plate subducting westward under the Indo-Australian plate. On the 29th of September 2009 the pressure built up was released and produced an 8.3 magnitude earthquake 18km below the earth’s surface.
The tsunami devastated both Samoan islands, killing nearly 200 and injuring hundreds more. Most of the damage was in the south coast of Samoa, but there were also reports of at least six deaths in the Pacific island of Tonga. The tsunami was generated by an unusual type of earthquake that occurs near ocean trenches.
The 2009 tsunami occurred due to the tectonic movements of the Pacific plate subducting westward under the Indo-Australian plate. On the 29th of September 2009 the pressure built up was released and produced an 8.3 magnitude earthquake 18km below the earth’s surface.
The tsunami devastated both Samoan islands, killing nearly 200 and injuring hundreds more. Most of the damage was in the south coast of Samoa, but there were also reports of at least six deaths in the Pacific island of Tonga. The tsunami was generated by an unusual type of earthquake that occurs near ocean trenches.