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
