The earthquake struck “deep contained in the earth”, the US Pacific Tsunamy Warning Middle stated.
Tonga was rocked by an enormous earthquake (Picture: Getty)
An enormous earthquake struck close to Tonga in a single day, prompting tsunami fears within the South Pacific Ocean area. The earthquake hit about 150km west of Neiafu in Tonga at a depth of 237km at 5.38pm, the US Geological Survey stated. There have been no rapid reviews of harm or casualties. It’s understood the tsunami warning is now solely in place for the Vava’u space of Tonga, whereas it was cancelled for Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai and the Nuias, Tonga Meteorological Companies stated.
In New Zealand, following preliminary tsunami fears, the Nationwide Emergency Administration Company stated that “based mostly on present info, the evaluation is that the earthquake is unlikely to have brought about a tsunami that can pose a risk to New Zealand”. In his newest replace, the company additionally stated: “There is no such thing as a tsunami risk to New Zealand following the revised M7.6 TONGA earthquake at 5.38pm [local time] on 24 March 2026.” Tonga Nationwide Catastrophe Threat Administration Workplace, by way of its official Fb web page, warned all residents to maneuver instantly to increased floor or inland and urged them to keep away from seashores and shorelines.
NOW: Tsunami sirens sound in Tonga following the latest Main Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake that struck off the coast. pic.twitter.com/sMX0Y3ZjQ0
— Chyno Information (@ChynoNews) March 24, 2026
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre additionally stated a tsunami was not anticipated and added “there isn’t any tsunami risk as a result of the earthquake is situated too deep contained in the earth”.
New Zealand’s RNZ stated “the officer in command of the group for the atmosphere and catastrophe ministry, Lucy Faanunu, stated there was no important injury in Neiafu on the principle island within the group. She stated she was driving house from work when the quake struck”. Quoted by the identical outlet, she stated: “Once I was driving it was shaking the steering wheel was shaking like left, proper, left proper. After which once I arrived house my son stated ‘Mum did you’re feeling the earthquake? As a result of it was fairly lengthy!”
Faanunu additionally confirmed that “as a precaution towards any potential tsunami waves, folks have been informed to maneuver to increased floor and keep there till an official all clear was given”.
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Tonga is a Polynesian kingdom made up of greater than 170 South Pacific islands, many uninhabited, most lined in white seashores, coral reefs, and coated with tropical rainforest. The principle island is Tongatapu, which is house to the agricultural capital of Nuku’alofa.
Town of Neiafu, close to which the earthquake originated, is the second-largest city in Tonga. It’s located beside the Port of Refuge, a deep-water harbour on the south coast of Vavaʻu, the principle island of the Vavaʻu archipelago in northern Tonga.
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