A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake has hit near Tonga this morning prompting a tsunami warning that has been cancelled. No casualties or damages have been reported.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake occurred at 1.18 am local time at a depth of 10 kilometres with its epicentre closest to the Ha’apai islands, which is about 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Tongatapu.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued an alert for potential damaging waves but later lifted the warning an hour after the shake.
Despite the cancellation, residents in affected areas, including Ha’apai and along Nuku’alofa’s coastline, moved inland as a precaution until the Tonga Meteorological Services (TMS) advised residents around 4.50am local time that it was safe to return to their homes.
Locals shared their experiences on social media platforms including two-time Olympian Pita Taufatofua, who said he could feel his entire house shaking. He said it was the “longest earthquake” he has ever felt.
Laitia Fifita, director of TMS, said sea levels have stabilised with the highest wave recorded being 20cm. “But our concern is for possible aftershocks,” he said.
Around 4.20am local time, the TMS recorded a fifth aftershock of magnitude 6.2, adding to concerns about ongoing seismic activity.
Tonga, situated on the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire,” has a history of significant seismic events. In January 2022, the massive eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano triggered a tsunami that caused widespread destruction and was felt as far as New Zealand, Japan, and the Americas. The eruption and subsequent tsunami killed at least three people and left much of Tonga covered in volcanic ash.
