7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Tonga

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga's main island, Tongatapu, in the early hours of Monday local time. The United States — United States Geological Survey reported the quake occurred about 100 kilometers northeast of the island at a depth of 10 kilometers. The United States — Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a warning for hazardous waves within 300 kilometers of the epicenter, urging residents to move inland, but later lifted the threat. No immediate reports of damage or casualties were received. Tonga, a Polynesian nation of 171 islands and a population of over 100,000, is located more than 3,500 kilometers off Australia's east coast. This event highlights the ongoing geological volatility of the South Pacific region.