A tsunami warning was issued for Tonga early Monday after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake occurred close to the Pacific Island nation’s coast. The tremor occurred roughly 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of Tonga’s largest island, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
According to statistics, the earthquake was larger than the initial estimate of 6.6 made by the GFZ Centre for Geosciences in Germany. Significant ground shaking and potentially dangerous tsunami waves were more likely because the earthquake only happened six miles below the surface. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warns that severe waves might hit coastal regions within 300 kilometers (185 miles) of the epicenter.
As the quake occurred during the night, immediate reports of damage or casualties were unavailable. However, given Tonga’s vulnerability to seismic activity, authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The island nation, consisting of 171 islands and home to around 100,000 people, lies in the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes and tsunamis.
This latest quake comes just days after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, leading to a tragic death toll of over 1,600 across Myanmar and neighboring Thailand. Myanmar’s military-run government has declared a state of emergency in six regions as rescue efforts continue. The disaster highlights the unpredictable nature of seismic events and the urgent need for preparedness in earthquake-prone regions.
As Tonga braces for potential aftershocks and tsunami threats, emergency services remain on high alert to protect lives and property.
