M6.1 earthquake hits Tonga region

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit the Tonga region at 06:33 UTC on December 11, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 238 km (147 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.

The epicenter was located 158 km (98 miles) W of Neiafu (population 4 320) and 275 km (171 miles) N of Nuku’alofa (population 22 400), Tonga.

17 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unknown/miscellaneous types and wood construction.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google