04 May 2021 | 08:58 PM UTC
Tonga: Magnitude-5.5 offshore earthquake occurs east of Tonga May 5
Magnitude-5.5 earthquake occurs offshore of eastern Tonga at 08:51 TOT May 5. Significant damage unlikely.
Event
A magnitude-5.5 earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean offshore of eastern Tonga at 08:51 TOT May 5. The epicenter was about 116 km (72 miles) south-southeast of Pangai. The tremor occurred at a depth of approximately 10 km (6 miles) and weak shaking likely occurred in parts of nearby islands. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties, though significant structural damage is unlikely. 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.
