Magnitude 7.6 Quake Rattles Tonga, Dangerous Tsunami Warning Issued
The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake's epicenter was located 153 kilometers (95 miles) west of Neiafu, at a depth of 237.5 kilometers (147.5 miles) beneath the surface — a depth that typically reduces surface destruction but can still generate significant tsunami activity.
No immediate casualties or structural damage were reported in the immediate aftermath.
Despite the absence of early damage assessments, Tonga Meteorological Services wasted no time issuing a nationwide tsunami alert, warning that tremors had been felt across the entire island chain.
"A dangerous tsunami could occur in minutes," the agency said in a statement posted to X, the social media platform operated by US billionaire Elon Musk, urging residents to immediately relocate to higher ground and safer locations.
Neiafu, the nation's second-largest urban center with a population of just under 4,000, sits on a deep-water harbor along the southern coast of Vavaʻu — the principal island of the Vavaʻu archipelago in northern Tonga — placing it squarely within the potential impact zone.
Authorities urged coastal residents not to wait for confirmation of waves before evacuating.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
