7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Tonga
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Synopsis
On March 31, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Pangai, Tonga, prompting tsunami alerts. Fortunately, no immediate damage or casualties were reported. Residents were advised to evacuate to higher ground, while mariners were instructed to seek deep waters. Tonga, known for its stunning landscapes, lies on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire'.
Key Takeaways
- A 7.0 earthquake hit Tonga on March 31.
- Tsunami alerts were issued but later canceled.
- No immediate reports of damage or casualties.
- Residents were advised to evacuate to higher ground.
- Tonga is part of the Pacific 'Ring of Fire'.
Suva, March 31 (NationPress) A 7.0-magnitude earthquake shook the region 79 km SSE of Pangai, Tonga, at 1:18 local time on Monday, according to the US Geological Survey.
The US Tsunami Warning Center initially raised an alert indicating that hazardous waves could occur, but later confirmed that there was no longer a threat of a tsunami, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The epicenter was calculated to be at a depth of 10 km and located at 20.495 degrees south latitude and 174.111 degrees west longitude.
Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had also issued a warning about the potential for hazardous waves affecting coastlines within 300 km (185 miles) of the epicenter.
A local resident informed Xinhua that the tremor was felt strongly in the capital Nuku'alofa, although his house remained intact.
The US tsunami warning system stated, "Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within 300 km (186 miles) of the epicenter along the coasts of Tonga."
As of now, there are no immediate reports of damage.
The Tonga Meteorological Services advised residents in affected areas to evacuate to higher ground, three-storey solid buildings, or designated tsunami evacuation sites.
“Mariners currently at sea should navigate to deep waters away from reefs or coastlines and stay there until the threat has passed,” it said via Facebook.
The Tourism Ministry shared an evacuation map on Facebook for residents of the capital, Nuku'alofa.
Pacific island nations like Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu are situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area characterized by frequent seismic activities due to colliding continental plates.
Tonga, a Polynesian nation, is made up of 171 islands and has a population exceeding 100,000, with most individuals living on the principal island, Tongatapu. This archipelago is located over 3,500 km (2,000 miles) east of Australia’s coastline.
The islands are known for their stunning white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and lush tropical rainforests.
The main island, Tongatapu, is encircled by lagoons and limestone cliffs, hosting Nuku'alofa, the kingdom's rural capital, along with beach resorts, plantations, and the Ha'amonga 'a Maui, a historic coral stone gateway dating back to the 1200s.
