A 7.5 magnitude earthquake 131 miles from Tonga has forced residents to seek higher ground - despite experts saying the tsunami risk has passed. The quake struck 15 miles below the sea's surface in the Pacific Ocean, which prompted the initial tsunami warning for and neighbouring American Samoa. Footage from early Saturday morning shows many evacuating to find high ground. Despite the tsunami warning being lifted, the local government are advising people to sek higher ground or move inland - while mariners should avoid reefs to the deep ocean. The government said in a statement: "A strong earthquake has occurred near Tonga and felt in whole of Tonga. A dangerous tsunami could occur in minutes. "You are advised to evacuate immediately inland to high ground or to the 3rd level of a steel or concrete building until the threat has passed. "Mariners are advised to move to deep ocean away from reefs." New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency has confirmed there is no threat to the country.