By Staff Writer

Better safe than sorry must be the main reason most of the Government Ministers and Corporations closed work today, Monday 5 December 2022.

The Public Service Commission priority was on safety.

The final decision was at the discretion of Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Corporations.

The final option for most of the public service if not all was to suspend all work for the day.

A tsunami advisory from the Samoa Met Office shortly after an earthquake, initially reported at a magnitude of 6.4 at 8.24am this morning, forced the unexpected turn of events for the working sectors.

Apia slowed down noticeably with less people and vehicle movements on the main streets of the township when the advisory came out, as many were getting ready for the start of work.

  Shops and other business operations in the private remained opened for normal services of the day.

Others in the private sector that included foreign missions in Samoa like the New Zealand High Commission, closed service as well.

The earthquake with a final magnitude reading of 6.7 occurred south of Samoa. 

The epicenter was approximately 108 km (67 miles) northeast of Hihifo, Tonga. 

The tremor occurred at a depth of about 36 km (22 miles) and light-to-moderate shaking was reported in parts of American Samoa and Samoa.

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