Tonga: A magnitude-7.2 earthquake occurs in South Pacific Ocean around 07:06 June 16

Event

A magnitude-7.2 offshore earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean at 07:06 on June 16. The epicenter was about 281 km (174 miles) southwest of Houma, Tonga. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 167 km (103 miles), and weak-to-light shaking was probably felt throughout Tonga. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely 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.

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.