Earthquake of 7.6-magnitude strikes near Tonga

WorldEnvironment
24 Mar 2026 • 3:15 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, prompting countries in the region to assess a potential tsunami threat.
  • New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency said that if a tsunami were generated, it would take at least two hours to reach New Zealand.
  • The earthquake occurred at a depth of nearly 238km, 153km west of Neiafu, Tonga's second-largest town.
  • The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre indicated there was no tsunami threat due to the earthquake's deep location.
  • Tonga's National Disaster Risk Management Office advised residents to move immediately to higher ground and avoid coastal areas as a precaution.

IN FULL