Tonga: Magnitude-5.5 offshore earthquake occurs off Neiafu at around 1943 Dec. 5. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Event

A magnitude-5.5 offshore earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean off northern Tonga at around 1943 TOT Dec. 5. The epicenter was about 127 km (79 miles) east of Neiafu. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and weak shaking was probably felt on the northern island of Vava'u, including in Neiafu. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are possible over the coming days.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.