A 7.1-magnitude earthquake near Tonga triggered tsunami warnings and widespread concern across the Pacific region.
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Tonga was jolted in the early hours of Monday- local time- after a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck just over 60 miles northeast of the island, triggering fears of a possible tsunami threat along the region’s coastlines.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the quake was centred offshore, but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has warned that hazardous waves could affect areas within 300 kilometres of the epicentre. That includes parts of Tonga and potentially nearby Pacific territories.
Tsunami warnings issued, sea levels monitored
While local authorities have confirmed no immediate damage, Tonga’s Meteorological Services Director Laitia Fifita said that sea levels were being closely monitored.
The highest recorded rise so far was 20cm, but officials remain on alert, with fears of possible aftershocks in the hours or days ahead.
“Sea levels appear to be stabilising for now,” Mr Fifita told Talanoa ‘O Tonga, “but we’re not in the clear just yet.”
Second major quake in the region in 48 hours
The tremor in Tonga comes just two days after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit parts of Myanmar and Thailand, leaving at least 1,700 dead and many others trapped under rubble.
Though Tonga has seen no casualties or damage so far, the timing of the quake has heightened anxiety in the wider Pacific region, where seismic activity is frequent and the risk of tsunamis is ever-present.
