Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Strikes Tonga and Niue, Tsunami Alert Issued

Magnitude 7.1 earthquake near Tonga and Niue

Tsunami alert issued following the quake

Concerns over potential damage and safety measures

A massive magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck near Tonga and Niue in the Pacific Ocean, prompting a tsunami alert across the region.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake occurred roughly 62 miles northeast of Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The tsunami alert extended to Tonga, which is home to approximately 100,000 people across 45 islands.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning highlighting the risk of dangerous waves within 185 miles of the epicenter.

7.1 Earthquake Strikes Tonga

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Pacific near the island nation of Tonga. Initially, a tsunami warning was issued but later lifted. In the video, residents can be seen fleeing to higher ground moments after the alert. pic.twitter.com/eau3hos2vl

– Ricardo Gutiérrez Zapata (@ricardoutizap) March 30, 2025

Tonga and Niue, both located northeast of the epicenter, are expected to experience tsunami waves between 0.3 and 1 meter high.

In contrast, other islands such as the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, and Kiribati may see smaller waves, likely under 30 centimeters.

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The earthquake, occurring at a shallow depth of just six miles, increases the likelihood of significant tsunami generation.

Fortunately, it was not as deep as the catastrophic Boxing Day tsunami, which occurred at a depth of 18 miles.

Tsunami Alert

#BREAKING! Another Very LARGE 7.1 – 7.7 Earthquake Strikes near TONGA this time!
Close to where the Hunga Tunga Volcano went off a few years ago! pic.twitter.com/vukjxSFBVP

– In2thinair (@in2thinair) March 30, 2025

Since the quake occurred during the local nighttime, damage reports and full assessments may take time.

The sparse population density in the affected area at that hour may also influence the pace of early reports, according to The Sun.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology has stated that there is no tsunami threat to its surrounding region.

It’s important to note that Tonga has recently experienced major natural disasters, such as the 2022 eruption of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai volcano. That event left behind a massive underwater crater and caused the largest atmospheric explosion in more than a century.

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7.1 Earthquake Strikes Tonga