Magnitude 7.6 earthquake strikes near Tonga in South Pacific ocean A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near Tonga in the South Pacific on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The quake occurred at a depth of about 237 kilometers, roughly 150 kilometers west of Neiafu. No tsunami warning was issued following the tremor, and there were no immediate reports of damage. The seismic event, while significant, did not trigger any alerts for potential tsunamis, which are typically issued when quakes occur closer to the ocean surface or in regions prone to such waves. Authorities monitored the situation closely, but preliminary assessments suggested the depth of the earthquake reduced the risk of a tsunami. Local residents and officials in the region were advised to remain vigilant but were not ordered to evacuate. Tonga, an island nation in the South Pacific, is located in a seismically active area due to its position along the boundary of the Pacific and Indo-Australian tectonic plates. Earthquakes of this magnitude are not uncommon in the region, though the specific location and depth of this event contributed to its relatively low impact. No official reports of structural damage or casualties were released immediately after the quake. Emergency services in Tonga and neighboring countries remained on standby to respond to any potential emergencies, including aftershocks or secondary effects. The U.S. Geological Survey continues to monitor the situation and update its assessments as more data becomes available. The event highlights the ongoing geological activity in the South Pacific, where tectonic movements frequently result in earthquakes. While such events can be disruptive, the depth and location of this quake minimized the immediate threat to populated areas.#us_geological_survey #neiafu #tonga #united_states_geological_survey #south_pacific
Tonga eases 'dangerous' tsunami alert after earthquake rattles South Pacific region Residents of Neiafu were urged to evacuate as authorities warned of a tsunami following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Tonga on Tuesday eased its “dangerous” tsunami warning, which had been issued after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near Neiafu early Tuesday. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake occurred 166 kilometers west of Neiafu, at a depth of 229.5 kilometers. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. Tonga Meteorological Services announced the reduction of tsunami warnings for several locations, including Vava'u, Tongatapu, 'Eua, Ha'apai, and Niuas, in a statement posted on Facebook. Earlier, the agency had issued a national warning for a potential tsunami, noting the earthquake was felt across the country. A statement on X warned that a dangerous tsunami could occur within minutes, prompting residents to evacuate to safer areas. Neiafu, the second-largest town in Tonga, has a population of just under 4,000 and is situated on a deep-water harbor on the south coast of Vava'u, the main island of the Vava'u archipelago in northern Tonga. The initial warning had caused widespread concern, with authorities emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect lives. The earthquake, while powerful, did not trigger a major tsunami, and the decision to lift the warning reflected updated assessments of the situation. Officials continued to monitor the area closely, ensuring that any potential risks were addressed promptly. The event highlighted the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity and the importance of preparedness in the South Pacific.#neiafu #tonga #us_earthquake #tonga_meteorological_services
Earthquake of Magnitude 7.6 strikes Neiafu in Tonga: USGS A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck Neiafu, Tonga, according to the United States Geological Survey. The tremor occurred on March 24, 2026, and was recorded at a depth of approximately 350 kilometers, which is considered a significant distance beneath the Earth’s surface. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stated that no tsunami alert was issued, as the earthquake’s depth reduced the likelihood of a destructive wave reaching coastal areas. Neiafu, a small town located on the island of Tongatapu, is known for its proximity to the capital, Nukuʻalofa. While the region is not uncommon for seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the magnitude of this quake raised concerns among local authorities and residents. However, the depth of the event, combined with its location away from the coast, minimized the risk of widespread damage or loss of life. The USGS reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 120 kilometers east of Neiafu. Preliminary data suggested that the tremor was felt across several islands in the archipelago, though no immediate reports of structural damage or casualties were confirmed. Local emergency services remained on standby to monitor the situation and assist any affected communities. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center emphasized that while deep earthquakes can sometimes trigger tsunamis, the specific characteristics of this event—particularly its depth and location—made such an occurrence highly unlikely. Officials urged residents to stay informed through official channels and to follow any additional safety guidelines if necessary.#usgs #neiafu #tonga #pacific_tsunami_warning_center #tongatapu
