10 May 2021 | 02:43 AM UTC
Tonga: Magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake occurs off of Neiafu May 10
Magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurs offshore of Neiafu, northern Tonga, at 14:59 TOT May 10. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Event
A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean, offshore of northern Tonga, at 14:59 TOT May 10. The epicenter was about 104 km (65 miles) north-northeast of Neiafu. The tremor occurred at a depth of approximately 35 km (21 miles), and weak shaking may have occurred on the northern island of Vava'u, including in Neiafu. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties because 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.
