Powerful Quake Hits Near Tonga
A magnitude-7 earthquake struck near Tonga on Sunday night, shaking homes and prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning. The quake hit around 100 kilometres north-east of Tonga at 11:18 pm, according to Geoscience Australia.
Also Read: Past update- Powerful 7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Tonga, Tsunami Warning Issued
The US Geological Survey reported that the Tonga earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres. The tremor was felt strongest in Ha’apai, with residents describing the shaking as violent and prolonged.
Figure 1: Multiple earthquakes near Tonga in the past 24 hours [Geoscience Australia]
The image below shows all the recent earthquakes near the Tonga region:
Figure 2: Locations of Earthquakes near Tonga
Residents Share Frightening Moments
Ha’apai Governor Pita Taufatofua said he had never felt such a strong Tonga earthquake before.
“Many things fell off tables and shelves, and the whole house shook. It was hard to stand up,” he said.
“It went for a very long time! Thank God we don’t have high rises here in Tonga.”
In Nuku’alofa, Salote Sisifa, CEO of Netball Tonga, said she feared a tsunami after feeling the quake.
“Within two minutes, the sirens went off, and we knew we had to leave,” she said.
She praised the public for their swift and organised response.
Tsunami Warning Issued and Later Cancelled
Authorities issued a tsunami warning immediately after the Tonga earthquake, urging people to move to higher ground or at least the third floor of a reinforced building.
The US Tsunami Warning Centre later cancelled the advisory, stating the threat had passed. However, wave fluctuations were recorded at two buoys in the area.
New Zealand’s tsunami buoys detected a 70cm rise in water height off Tonga’s coast.
A Surge of Earthquakes in the Region
This earthquake is part of a recent surge in seismic activity. Tonga has experienced:
- 9 earthquakes in the past 24 hours
- 16 earthquakes in the past 30 days
- 178 earthquakes in the past year
The largest recent earthquake, at magnitude-7, struck 90km from Pangai, Ha’apai. Other significant quakes today included a magnitude-6.2 tremor in the same region.
Recent seismic activity near Pangai, Ha‘apai, Tonga includes:
- 5 hours ago – 5.3 magnitude, 31 km deep
- 7 hours ago – 4.8 magnitude, 35 km deep
- 11 hours ago – 4.8 magnitude, 35 km deep
- 11 hours ago – 5.8 magnitude, 35 km deep
- 11 hours ago – 4.9 magnitude, 35 km deep
- 12 hours ago – 6.2 magnitude, 17 km deep
- 12 hours ago – 4.8 magnitude, 35 km deep
- 12 hours ago – 4.8 magnitude, 10 km deep
No Threat to Australia
Despite the large quake, The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed that there was no tsunami threat to Australia.
Tonga, a nation of 171 islands, sits in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Authorities continue to monitor the region for aftershocks.
How to Stay Safe During Earthquakes
If You Are Indoors
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On
- Drop to your hands and knees to stay stable.
- Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or against an interior wall.
- Hold On to secure furniture until the shaking stops.
- Stay inside to avoid falling debris. Running outside increases the risk of injury.
- Avoid windows, mirrors, and heavy objects that could break or fall.
- If in bed, turn face down and protect your head with a pillow.
- If in a wheelchair, lock the brakes and shield your head with a pillow or your hands.
If You Are Outdoors
- Move to an open space away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
- Stay on the ground and cover your head and neck with your arms.
If You Are in a Vehicle
- Pull over to a safe location, away from bridges and overpasses.
- Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
General Safety Tips
- Prepare an emergency kit with food, water, and first-aid supplies.
- Inspect for injuries and hazards like gas leaks or structural damage.
Stay alert for aftershocks and tsunami warnings in coastal areas.
