Sun Mar 30 13:09:14 UTC 2025: ## Strong Earthquake Shakes Tonga, Tsunami Warning Lifted
**Nuku’alofa, Tonga –** A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga early Monday morning, prompting a brief tsunami warning. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake hit at a depth of 29 kilometers (18 miles), approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of the main island of Tongatapu. A subsequent 6.1 magnitude quake struck the same region hours later.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a warning, but later lifted it, confirming no significant tsunami threat. Tonga’s disaster management office also cancelled its warning.
While tsunami sirens sounded, prompting residents to evacuate to higher ground, there have been no reports of casualties or significant structural damage, according to Mafua Maka, director of the disaster management office. Further assessments are planned for daylight hours.
Social media posts from Tongans described the quake’s intensity, with reports of objects falling from shelves and prolonged shaking. Olympic athlete Pita Taufatofua described the experience as the longest earthquake he had ever felt.
Tonga, a Polynesian nation comprised of 171 islands with a population of over 100,000, is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonically active zone prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The nation experienced a devastating tsunami in 2022 following a volcanic eruption.
First Piper 