Large earthquake strikes Tonga, no tsunami threat for New Zealand

Tsunami sirens are blaring and evacuations under way after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga.

The quake hit about 150km west of Neiafu, Tonga at a depth of 237km at 5.38pm NZ time, the US Geological Survey said.

After assessment by the National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) and GNS Science, Nema said there is no tsunami threat to New Zealand.

Tonga’s National Disaster Risk Management Office and Tonga Meteorological Services have issued a tsunami warning for all of Tonga’s coastal areas.

AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.

Residents were warned to move immediately to higher ground, and avoid beaches, shorelines, and low-lying coastal areas.

SaveShare this articleCopy LinkEmailFacebookTwitter/XLinkedInReddit