UPDATE – Here is an update and maps on the 7.9 earthquake and tsunami in Samoa today September 29, 2009. The tsunami in American Samoa has a rising death toll as new tsunami data comes in.

The quake hit closest to Hihifo Tonga and Pago Pago. While initial Tsunami reports had waters topping at 10 feet and no deaths, current data tonight (as of 10 pm PST) puts the water reaching 15 to 20 feet in some areas and the death toll at 34 and rising.

American Samoa Earthquake 2009 Maps
Earthquake Map 1
Earthquake Map 2
Earthquake Map 3

The quake registered 7.9 and hit at 6:22 am local time today. The quake was roughly 180 miles form Papo Pago and 375 miles from Tonga.

Thereafter local authority issued a tsunami warning for American Samoa, Samoa, Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, and select other regions. Then a 10 foot tall tsunami was spotted and recorded.  Now new data puts the tsunami at 15 to 20 feet on American Samoa.

Data recorded indicates 4 waves 15 to 20 feet hit American Samoa while 1 wave 13 feet tall hit Tonga. The quake’s epicenter was in the Samoa Island Region, approximately 120 miles from Hihifo, Tonga.

The quake’s depth was significant, 17.4 miles below the surface.

For continuing coverage on LALATE click here: http://news.lalate.com/category/earthquake.

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PHOTOS! Here are pictures of Keara Hess, the missing pregnant 12 year old. Keara Hess and her sister Sierra are missing from their North Carolina home. Hess needs immediate medical attention. Keara is 9 months along in her pregnancy.

Keara Hess Pictures
Keara Hess Photo 1
Keara Hess Photo 2

The two sisters were last believed with their father. Investigators are looking for a 1993 green Ford Explorer with North Carolina license plates YTE8014 or XTC5271.

Keara Lasha Hess’ traits are the following – brown hair, brown eyes, nickname “Diamond”, height 5′1”, weight 128 lbs. Sierra Nicole Hess’ traits are the following – 12 years old, brown hair, brown eyes, height 5′8, weight 100 lbs.

ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)
Iredell County Sheriff’s Office (North Carolina) 1-704-878-3100

Matthew Charles Hess
Age: 40 DOB: 06/16/1969
Sex: Male
Race: White
Hair: Brown Eyes: Green
Height: 5′10
Weight: 190

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BREAKING NEWS – Here is the Toyota Floor Mat Recall list on 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus cars. The Toyota Floor Mat Recall for 2009 is being called “urgent” by the U.S. Transportation Secretary.

The agency reports 100 related incidents, 17 crashes, and 5 deaths from such Toyota vehicles.

The recall lists coves all CURRENT Camry, Avalons, Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Lexus IS250, Lexus IS350, and Lexus ES350. Reports confirm Tuesday that this recall will be the largest ever for Toyota in the company’s history.

The complete list is the following:
2007-10 Camry
2005-10 Avalon
2004-09 Prius
2005-10 Tacoma
2007-10 Tundra
2007-10 Lexus ES350
2006-10 Lexus ES250
2006-10 Lexus IS350

Of note – some reports are including the 2010 Prius on the list, while others are not. Official details can by found by calling Toyota at 800 331 4331 or Lexus at 800 255 3987.

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MAPS! Here are maps of the American Samoa earthquake and tsunami today September 29, 2009 near
Hihifo Tonga and Pago Pago. The American Samoa Earthquake death roll comes now (1:52 PM PST) after initial reports of no injuries.The number of deaths is unknown. They were caused by the 10 foot tsunami that resulted after the quake.

Where is American Samoa located? Here are breaking quake maps below.

American Samoa Earthquake 2009 Maps
Earthquake Map 1
Earthquake Map 2
Earthquake Map 3

The quake registered 6.9 and hit at 6:22 am local time today. The quake was roughly 180 miles form Papo Pago and 375 miles from Tonga.

The quake’s epicenter is in the Samoa Island Region, approximately 120 miles from Hihifo, Tonga. The U.S. National Park Service is monitoring the death toll and is expected to give a statement within moments.

The depth was significant, 17.4 miles below the surface. But thereafter, a 10 foot tall tsunami hit the region.

For continuing coverage on LALATE click here: http://news.lalate.com/category/earthquake.

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Tyler Thigpen has been traded to the Dolphins from the Chiefs. The Dolphins hope Tyler Thigpen will help now that Chad Henne takes injured Chad Pennington’s starting position.

But will it work?

Pennington’s recovery time for that dislocated shoulder injury is still not clear. Chad’s  injury came last Sunday against San Diego. Thigpen came into the league in the 2007 NFL Draft, as  a Vikings 7th round pick (217th overall).

As covered earlier on LALATE, Pennington is reportedly seeking a second medical opinion promptly. Pennington had surgery on this throwing shoulder two times before – in 2004 and 2005. The official comment from the Dolphins so far is “no comment”, citing continued medical evaluation not yet complete. Chad Henne will start against Buffalo.

Pennington also suffered a wrist injury for 6 games in 2003. Pennington’s news comes as the Dolphins try to battle back from an 0-3 start for the season.

Watch video on the report below.

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