(URGENT) 7.1-magnitude quake strikes off Guam: USGS

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit off the Pacific island of Guam Wednesday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said, but no tsunami warning was issued as the tremor was too deep.

The quake struck in the sea at a depth of 133 kilometres (82 miles) some 48 kilometres northwest of the US territory's capital Hagatna.

"A destructive tsunami was not generated because this earthquake is located too deep inside the earth," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said.

Guam, the largest island in Micronesia with a population of 180,000, is no stranger to earthquakes, but tsunamis hit only rarely.

The largest quake in recent years hit in 1993. Although no one died in the 7.7-magnitude tremor, several people were injured and buildings suffered structural damage. (AFP)