A strong earthquake (7.0 magnitude) struck near Tonga early this morning. Experts issued a tsunami alert but it was quickly lifted after an assessment.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake had a depth of 29km and occurred 100km northeast of the main island of Tonga. A few hours later, another earthquake (6.1 magnitude) was recorded in the same area.
After the first earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert, warning of dangerous waves. However, a few hours later, they announced that there was no longer a tsunami threat.
According to the Tonga Disaster Management Office, no casualties or damage to buildings were reported. Residents were advised to move to higher ground, but after the warning was lifted, people have returned to their homes.
Tonga, a country on the Pacific Ring of Fire, consists of 171 islands and has a population of over 100,000 people. It regularly experiences major earthquakes and volcanic activity.
