A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck offshore near Tonga on Sunday, triggering initial tsunami warnings and prompting authorities to urge residents to move to higher ground. The quake, classified as shallow, occurred 79 kilometers (49 miles) south-southeast of Pangai at 1219 GMT, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The US Tsunami Warning System initially cautioned that “hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within 300 kilometers of the epicenter along the coasts of Tonga.” However, it later revised its assessment, stating that “the tsunami threat from this earthquake has now passed.” Despite this, Tonga’s meteorological authorities issued further warnings and evacuation instructions for residents in vulnerable areas.
The Tonga Meteorological Services advised those living in at-risk coastal regions to evacuate inland to high ground, three-storey solid buildings, or designated tsunami evacuation sites. They also urged mariners to move to deep waters away from reefs and coasts and remain there until the all-clear signal is given. In response, the country’s Ministry of Tourism shared an evacuation map on Facebook for the capital, Nuku’alofa, to help guide residents to safety.
Tonga, an archipelago of around 100,000 people, is highly prone to earthquakes due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of intense seismic and volcanic activity stretching from Southeast Asia through the Pacific Basin. The region frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, with the most devastating recent event being the massive undersea eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano in January 2022, which triggered a catastrophic tsunami and sent shockwaves around the world.
While no immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged from Sunday’s quake, authorities remain on high alert, closely monitoring the situation. Residents have been advised to stay vigilant, follow official updates, and prepare for any potential aftershocks.
As Tonga recovers from yet another seismic event, the incident underscores the persistent geological threats facing Pacific island nations and the critical importance of early warning systems and disaster preparedness in mitigating risks to lives and infrastructure.
