03/24/2026

Samuel Clifford

The uptick in geological activity near the Tonga region continues as a 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred at a depth of around 237 km (148 miles) and around 153 km (95 miles) west of Neiafu, the country’s second largest city. So far there have been no damage or casualties reports which is typical for an earthquake that occurred at such a depth. The deeper an earthquake is the less destructive it is to the surface. 

Tonga’s emergency management authorities urged residents in low‑lying coastal areas to move immediately to higher ground or further inland, advising the public to stay away from beaches and shorelines until officials issue an all‑clear. The Sāmoa Meteorological Service issued a Tsunami Advisory for the earthquake but cancelled the advisory around 2 hours later. Tonga has experienced a noticeable uptick in seismic activity over the past several days, with a series of strong earthquakes, including multiple magnitude‑6.2 events near Hihifo and a powerful 7.6 shock west of Neiafu, underscoring heightened unrest along the Tonga Trench.