A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga in the early hours of Monday local time, prompting a tsunami warning for the Pacific island nation, according to Canberra Times.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Tonga’s main island at a significant depth. Following the tremor, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert, cautioning that hazardous waves could impact coastlines within 300 kilometers of the epicenter.
As of now, there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
Tonga, a Polynesian country consisting of 171 islands, has a population of just over 100,000 people, with the majority residing on the main island of Tongatapu. The nation lies more than 3,500 kilometers off Australia’s east coast and is located in the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes and tsunamis.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and further updates are expected as assessments continue.
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