A series of tsunamis has caused widespread death and destruction in the South Pacific. The waves were triggered by a powerful deep sea earthquake between Samoa and American Samoa. Scores of people are reported to have been killed.

Each hour brings more reports of loss of life and immense damage to what is normally a serene corner of the South Pacific. Parts of Samoa and American Samoa were pounded by a series of large waves unleashed by a magnitude eight earthquake early Tuesday. Island residents said they were shaken by a huge jolt, which was followed by tremors that lasted for several minutes. Then the tsunamis struck.

The Pacific Tsunami Center in Hawaii reports that large walls of water would have crashed onto the shoreline, probably on the order of several meters. That's a damaging and dangerous tsunami. A half meter tsunami can take you off your feet and drag you under, so three meters could be quite damaging and dangerous.