Tonga: Magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake occurs near the Vava'u Islands at around 23:14 March 2

Event

A magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake occurred near the Vava'u Islands, Tonga, at around 23:14 March 2. The epicenter was about 52 km (32 miles) northeast of Neiafu. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 35 km (22 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout much of the Vava'u and Ha'apai island groups. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake, and significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Light aftershocks are likely over the coming days. The event 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.