After a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck in the Sea around 207 kilometres (128 miles) from the capital on Friday, the government of Tonga issued a tsunami warning and advised citizens to head inland to higher ground.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake struck in the sea at a depth of 24.8 km (15.4 miles), approximately 207 km (128.6 miles) east of south-east of Neiafu (USGS).
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, American Samoa also issued a tsunami advisory (PTWC). Within 300 kilometres of the epicentre, along the coasts of Niue and Tonga, dangerous tsunami waves from the earthquake are possible, according to the report.
Tonga’s meteorological service warned residents to move inland.
“An urgent tsunami advisory is now in force for all of Tonga due to a strong earthquake being felt in the Kingdom tonight. Please move inland immediately until further advised,” it said on its Facebook page.
The South Pacific nation of around 105,000 inhabitants saw a tsunami in January as a result of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano eruption, which also disrupted communications. There were at least three casualties.
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