USGS: 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Tonga in South Pacific

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck near Tonga on Tuesday evening local time. The United States Geological Survey recorded the tremor at a depth of about 237 kilometers (148 miles).

Quake specifics

The USGS reported the epicenter at sea, roughly 153 kilometers (95 miles) west of Neiafu. The shock was centered closer to the Vava’u island group than the main island of Tongatapu.

Shallow earthquakes tend to shake the surface more strongly. This event’s depth reduced surface intensity in many areas.

Warnings and local response

Tonga’s National Disaster Risk Management Office urged residents to move to higher ground immediately. Authorities told people to avoid beaches, shorelines, and low-lying coastal areas until an all-clear.

The office posted the advisory on its Facebook page. No widespread damage was reported in early assessments.

Tsunami assessment and regional outlook

The USGS did not issue a tsunami warning for the region. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said no tsunami threat existed because the quake occurred too deep.

New Zealand officials also said there was no tsunami threat to their shores. Tonga lies about 1,800 kilometers (1,100 miles) northeast of New Zealand.

Local observations

Staff at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel in Nukuʻalofa reported that the building shook. They said they were not aware of further damage.

Neiafu is Tonga’s second-largest town. Most of the country’s roughly 100,000 residents live on Tongatapu.

Geological context and past events

Tonga sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of frequent seismic and volcanic activity. A volcanic eruption in 2022 triggered a tsunami that killed three people.

Source summary

The bulletin, labeled “USGS: 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Tonga in South Pacific,” provided the preliminary parameters. This item was compiled for Filmogaz.com from agency statements and local reports.