Very strong M6.9 earthquake hits Tonga
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
A very strong earthquake, registered by the USGS as M6.9, hit Tonga at 23:29 UTC on August 25, 2024. The agency reports a depth of 106.7 km (66.3 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.9 at a depth of 102 km (63.4 miles). The quake was followed by an M6.1 at the same depth just one minute later.
The epicenter was located 72.2 km (44.9 miles) W of Pangai (population 1 738) and 154.7 km (96.1 miles) N of Nuku’alofa (population 22 400).
6 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 98 000 strong, and 3 000 moderate.
Based on all available data, NWS PTWC said there was 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
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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