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A powerful earthquake struck the Tonga Islands in the South Pacific on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 1:18 a.m. local time (0318 UTC). The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake's magnitude as 7.1, with an epicenter located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of Tonga's main island, Tongatapu, and a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
In response to the earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert indicating that hazardous tsunami waves were possible within 300 kilometers of the epicenter along the coasts of Tonga and Niue. The warning was later lifted after no significant tsunami waves were observed.
Tonga's National Disaster Risk Management Office advised residents, particularly those in low-lying coastal areas, to move to higher ground or further inland as a precautionary measure. Tsunami sirens were activated, and residents were urged to stay away from beaches and shorelines.
Tonga, a Polynesian kingdom comprising over 170 islands, is situated along the Pacific's "Ring of Fire," an area known for frequent seismic activity. The nation is still recovering from the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano in 2022, which caused significant damage.
As of now, there are no reports of significant damage or casualties resulting from the earthquake. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
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