Strong M6.6 earthquake hits Tonga

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.6 hit Tonga at 20:47 UTC on May 26, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 112.2 km (69.7 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.6 at a depth of 140 km (87 miles).

The epicenter was located 71 km (44.1 miles) NW of Fangale’ounga (population 2 016), 72.7 km (45.2 miles) NW of Pangai (population 1 738), and 198.9 km (123.6 miles) N of Nuku‘alofa (population 22 400), Tonga.

19 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 81 000 moderate, and 8 000 light.

Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake, NWS PTWC said.

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