Tonga Tsunami Warning Lifted After Strong Earthquake Shakes South Pacific

Tonga on Tuesday eased its “dangerous” tsunami warning after a powerful earthquake struck the South Pacific region earlier in the day.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake measured magnitude 7.6 and hit about 166 kilometres west of Neiafu. The quake occurred at a depth of 229.5 kilometres.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage following the tremor.

The Tonga Meteorological Services later eased its tsunami warning for several areas, including Vava'u, Tongatapu, Eua, Ha'apai and Niuas, according to a statement shared on Facebook.

Earlier, the agency had issued a nationwide alert, warning of a possible tsunami and stating that the earthquake was felt across the country.

“A dangerous tsunami could occur in minutes,” it said in a statement on X, urging residents to move to safer locations.

Neiafu, the second largest town in Tonga, has a population of under 4,000 and is located on a deep water harbour along the southern coast of the Vavaʻu island group in northern Tonga.