Strong M6.4 earthquake hits Tonga
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit Tonga at 22:12 UTC on January 18, 2024 (11:12 LT, January 19). The agency is reporting a depth of 218 km (135 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was located about 126 km (78 miles) NW of Fangale’ounga, and 126 km (78 miles) WSW of Neiafu, Tonga.
21 000 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.
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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