A massive earthquake struck near Tonga, causing widespread panic. The 7.0 magnitude quake hit the ocean floor, just 10 kilometers deep and 100 kilometers from the island nation’s main landmass.
People on the island of Ha’apai scrambled to higher ground after sirens blared, warning of a potential tsunami. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii issued a warning, but later canceled it.
Tonga is no stranger to earthquakes. The island nation sits on the “Ring of Fire,” a fault line where tectonic plates meet. This means Tongans often experience earthquakes. The country has 171 islands and a population of around 100,000 people, with most living on the main island of Tongatapu.
About three hours after the initial quake, a 6.1 magnitude aftershock hit. But the US Geological Survey says it’s unlikely to cause significant damage or loss of life.
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