Powerful 7.3 Quake Hits Tonga, Tsunami Alert Issued

Tonga issues tsunami alert after 7.3 magnitude earthquake strikes off coast

JON HAWORTH

A tsunami alert has been issued for the tiny island nation of Tonga after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the country's coast.

The quake hit at sea just before 11 p.m. local time approximately 128 miles from the Tongan capital of Nukuʻalofa at a depth of 15.4 miles.

"A strong earthquake has occurred near Tonga and felt in whole of Tonga," the government said in a press release issuing the tsunami alert. "A dangerous tsunami could occur in minutes. You are advised to evacuate immediately inland to high ground or to the 3rd level of a steel or concrete building until the threat has passed. Mariners are advised to move to deep ocean away from reefs."

In January, a volcanic eruption caused a tsunami that damaged or destroyed villages, resorts and knocked out an underwater communications cable.

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Powerful earthquake hits Tonga; tsunami advisory issued

Associated Press

A powerful underwater earthquake struck Friday off Tonga in the southern Pacific, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami advisory.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 7.3 quake was centered 211 kilometers (132 miles) east-southeast of Neiafu, Tonga, at a depth of 24.8 kilometers (15 miles). It predicted strong shaking but said the probability of serious damage or casualties was small.

The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami advisory, which is one step below a tsunami warning.

An undersea volcano erupted in Tonga in January, killing three people, blanketing its main island with a thick layer of volcanic ash and shooting millions of tons of water vapor high up into the atmosphere.

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