11 May 2023

7.6 earthquake hits off Tonga, no tsunami warning

9:29 am on 11 May 2023
A magnitude 7.6 was recorded 95km from Hihifo, Tonga on Thursday, at a depth of 210km, the United States Geological Survey said.

A magnitude 7.6 struck 95km from Hihifo, Tonga on Thursday, at a depth of 210km. Photo: USGS

An earthquake of magnitude 7.6 struck off Tonga, the United States Geological Survey said.

The quake struck at 4am NZT, with its epicentre at a distance of 95km west-north-west of Hihifo, Tonga, the USGS said.

It was at a depth of 210km.

The US Tsunami Warning System said there was no tsunami warning after the earthquake.

The quake was followed by a 5.1 magnitude aftershock at 4.30am NZT.

Hihifo is the main village on the island of Niuatoputapu north of the Tonga main island group.

The epicentre of the quake was south of Wallis and Futuna and Samoa.

Angie Pula Letuligasenoa said the shaking at Iliili, near Pago Pago International Airport, felt like it lasted 20 or 30 seconds but she knew it was actually shorter than that.

The "rolling" earthquake woke her up, she said.

"A couple of things fell off my shelf, but the windows were shaking, and that's the scary thing.

"So I got up, said a quick prayer."