Tonga: Magnitude-5.2 offshore earthquake occurs off Pangai Jan. 16

Event

A magnitude-5.2 offshore earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean, off central Tonga, at around 1936 Jan. 16. The epicenter was around 88 km (55 miles) east-southeast of Pangai, on Lifuka Island, which is part of the Ha'api islands. The tremor occurred at a depth of approximately 10 km (6 miles), and weak shaking may have occurred across central Tonga. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are possible over the coming days. The incident has not prompted any tsunami advisories.

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.

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.