7.6 Magnitude Quake Strikes Near Tonga, Evacuation Warnings Issued

A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near the island nation of Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, prompting evacuation warnings for coastal areas despite no immediate reports of damage or tsunami threats.

The United States Geological Survey reported the quake occurred early Tuesday evening local time, with its epicenter located at sea approximately 153 kilometers west of Neiafu, the second-largest town in Tonga and a key settlement in the Vavau island group. The tremor originated at a depth of about 237 kilometers, a relatively deep position that experts say reduces the intensity felt on the surface compared to shallower quakes. According to the USGS, the event took place around 4:30 a.m. UTC.

Tonga’s National Disaster Risk Management Office issued an urgent advisory for residents in the low-lying archipelago to seek higher ground or move inland immediately. "People should avoid beaches, shorelines, and low-lying coastal areas until an all-clear is given," the office stated in a post on its Facebook page. Officials emphasized preparedness in the face of potential aftershocks, though no structural damage or injuries were reported in initial assessments.