The precautionary alert means that the height of a possible tsunami wave would be less than a foot and a half . NEW : American Samoa declares major disaster ; orders federal aid . Oregon sending plane with aid , officials to help White House . Magnitude-8.0 quake strikes near Samoan Islands early Tuesday . Quake struck at depth of 5.1 feet , triggered more than 20 5-foot tsunamis .
NEW : American Samoa declares major disaster ; orders federal aid . Oregon sending plane with aid , officials to help White House . Magnitude-8.0 quake strikes near Samoan Islands early Tuesday . Quake struck at depth of 5.1 feet , triggered more than 20 5-foot tsunamis .