7.2 Magnitude Earthquake near Guam

A major 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit 232 miles west southwest of the U.S. Pacific island territory of Guam, the U.S. Geological Survey said on Friday.

The quake occurred in the Mariana Islands region of the Pacific Ocean at a depth of 2.9 miles on Saturday, August 14, at 7:19 a.m. local time. Earlier USGS had reported the quake at a 7.1 magnitude and a depth of 12.4 miles.  The Mariana Islands are made up of Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no destructive tsunami threat, however earthquakes of this size can be destructive along coasts near the epicenter. A quake of this magnitude is capable of widespread, heavy damage, but there were no immediate reports of destruction or injuries.