Friday, a massive undersea earthquake occurred off the coast of Tonga in the southern Pacific, leading authorities to issue a tsunami warning.
The earthquake was centered 132 miles east-southeast of Neiafu, Tonga, at a depth of 15 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It expected powerful tremors but stated the likelihood of significant damage or fatalities was low.
The United States Tsunami Warning System has issued a tsunami advisory, which is one level below a tsunami warning.
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, “dangerous tsunami waves are possible for coasts within 300 kilometers of the earthquake epicenter.”
The meteorological office of Tonga advised inhabitants to evacuate inland and boaters to avoid reefs.
“A tsunami warning has been issued for the entire nation of Tonga as a result of a significant earthquake felt in the kingdom tonight. Please relocate to the interior immediately until further notice “according to the service’s Facebook page.
Please remain on high ground and in the interior, and continue to monitor the radio until further notice. For seamen, the deep ocean is preferable to reefs. Thank you, Tonga MET.
Friday, November 11, 2022, by Tonga Meteorological Services, Government of Tonga
Seismic activity is fairly regular in Tonga, a nation comprised of 171 islands and home to over 100,000 people.
In January, an underwater volcano erupted in Tonga, killing three people, blanketing the main island with a thick layer of volcanic ash, and ejecting millions of tons of water vapor into the upper atmosphere.
AFP contributed to the creation of this report.