According to the Pacific Tsuanami Warning center the earthquake was 8.3 not 7.9.
"APIA, Samoa – The U.S. Geological Survey says a powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake has struck in the South Pacific between Samoa and American Samoa. A tsunami alert has been issued for the region.
The temblor hit at 6:48 a.m. Tuesday (1748 GMT) midway between the two island groups. In the Samoan capital of Apia, families fled their homes amid severe shaking that lasted for up to three minutes. Local media reported people were fleeing to higher ground.
The USGS said the quake struck 20 miles (35 kilometers) below the ocean floor and was 120 miles (190 kilometers) from American Samoa and 125 miles (200 kilometers) from Samoa.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a general alert for the South Pacific region, from American Samoa to New Zealand."
7.9 quake hits South Pacific, tsunami alert issued - Yahoo! News
http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/
"APIA, Samoa – The U.S. Geological Survey says a powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake has struck in the South Pacific between Samoa and American Samoa. A tsunami alert has been issued for the region.
The temblor hit at 6:48 a.m. Tuesday (1748 GMT) midway between the two island groups. In the Samoan capital of Apia, families fled their homes amid severe shaking that lasted for up to three minutes. Local media reported people were fleeing to higher ground.
The USGS said the quake struck 20 miles (35 kilometers) below the ocean floor and was 120 miles (190 kilometers) from American Samoa and 125 miles (200 kilometers) from Samoa.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a general alert for the South Pacific region, from American Samoa to New Zealand."
7.9 quake hits South Pacific, tsunami alert issued - Yahoo! News
http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/