Tonga: Magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake strikes in Pacific Ocean Aug. 29

Event

A magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake occurred in the Pacific Ocean near Tonga at 21:50 Aug. 29. The epicenter was about 86 km (53 miles) east of Neiafu. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking likely occurred across much of northern and central Tonga. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties due to the earthquake; however, it could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are possible over the coming days. Authorities have not issued 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. Out of an abundance of caution, 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.