A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Tonga near Vava’u on Tuesday afternoon at a depth of 237 kilometres, but officials report no significant damage, particularly in Neiafu.
While the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed there was no tsunami risk due to the quake’s depth, Tonga authorities issued a precautionary evacuation to higher ground. Residents described the tremor as unusually long, with noticeable shaking, though no serious impacts have been identified. New Zealand’s emergency agency also confirmed there is no tsunami threat to the country.
M7.6 earthquake strikes Tonga: No tsunami threat. A 7.6 magnitude quake hit at 23:38 PM CHST on Mar 24, 2026, at 18.9°S 175.0°W (147 mi depth), Tonga. https://t.co/pdmu6CFtF2 confirms: No action required, no impacts expected. #sismo pic.twitter.com/SOPJ336fMd
— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) March 24, 2026
NOW: Tsunami sirens sound in Tonga following the recent Major Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake that struck off the coast. pic.twitter.com/sMX0Y3ZjQ0
— Chyno News (@ChynoNews) March 24, 2026
