/ 29 September 2007

Large earthquake near Guam, buildings sway

A strong earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7,1 hit near the United States Pacific territory of Guam on Sunday, Japan’s Meteorological Agency said, but island media said there were no immediate reports of injuries.

Guam’s Pacific Daily News said the quake could be felt in high-rise buildings on the island, which is home to a major US military base.

The quake, at a depth of 30km, occurred at 11.09am Japan time (2.09am GMT) near the island, the Japanese government agency said on its website.

The US Geological Survey also recorded a quake in the same area, which it said on its website was of magnitude 6,8 and centred about 345km south-south-east of Guam.

Agencies said they were on the alert for a possible tsunami, but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said one was not expected. – Reuters