Magnitude 7.6 earthquake strikes Tonga, tsunami warning issued

2026-03-24 - 06:49

A magnitude 7.6 earthquake rattled Neiafu, Tonga, early Tuesday, triggering a warning of a "dangerous" tsunami across the South Pacific Island nation. The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake struck 153 kilometers (95 miles) west of Neiafu at a depth of 237.5 kilometers (147.5 miles). Tsunami warning The Tonga Meteorological Services issued a national warning for a possible tsunami. "A dangerous tsunami could occur in minutes," it said in a statement on X, urging people to evacuate to safer places. The agency added that the earthquake was felt across the nation. No immediate casualties There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. Neiafu, the second-largest town in Tonga, has a population of a little less than 4,000 and is located on a deep-water harbor on the south coast of Vavaʻu, the main island of the Vavaʻu archipelago in northern Tonga. Regional context The quake comes as the Pacific region remains seismically active, with Tonga located along the "Ring of Fire," an area of high tectonic activity. Authorities continue to monitor for potential tsunami waves following the event.