Earthquake of Magnitude 7 strikes Tonga Islands
On March 30, 2025, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck the Tonga Islands, prompting immediate tsunami warnings. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles) and was located about 90 kilometers southeast of Pangai, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other sources.
Depth: 10 km
Location: 90 km southeast of Pangai, Tonga
Tsunami Warning: Issued for areas within a 300-kilometer radius from the epicenter, cautioning residents about potentially hazardous waves.
As of now, there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially alerted coastal areas about the possibility of dangerous waves but later indicated that the tsunami threat had passed. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and advising residents to remain vigilant.
Tonga, an archipelago consisting of over 170 islands, is situated in a seismically active region where tectonic plates frequently interact, making it prone to earthquakes. This event follows a recent series of seismic activities in the South Pacific, underscoring the geological volatility of the area.
