Sun Mar 30 14:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Powerful Earthquake Strikes Near Tonga, Tsunami Warning Issued
**Nuku’alofa, Tonga –** A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Tonga’s main island early Monday morning local time, prompting a tsunami warning for the Pacific island nation. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake’s depth at 10 kilometers.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert, warning of potentially hazardous waves within 300 kilometers of the epicenter. While the warning specifically targeted Tonga’s coastlines, no immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged.
Tonga, a Polynesian nation of 171 islands with a population of just over 100,000, is located over 3,500 kilometers east of Australia. The majority of its population resides on the main island, Tongatapu.
The situation remains under close monitoring. Authorities are continuing to assess the impact of the earthquake and tsunami warning.
First Piper 