Large earthquake near Guam, buildings sway

TOKYO, Sep 30 (Reuters) A strong earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.1 hit near the US Pacific territory of Guam today, Japan's Meteorological Agency said, but island media said there were no immediate reports of injuries.

Guam's Pacific Daily News said the quake could be felt in high-rise buildings on the island, which is home to a major US military base.

The quake, at a depth of 30 km, occurred at 11:09 am Japan time (0739 ist) near the island, the Japanese government agency said on its Web site (www.jma.go.jp/en/quake).

The US Geological Survey also recorded a quake in the same area, which it said on its Web site (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter) was of magnitude 6.8 and centred about 345 km south-southeast of Guam.

Agencies said they were on the alert for a possible tsunami, but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said one was not expected.

REUTERS SZ RK1002