Deep M6.4 earthquake recorded in Tonga region
A deep earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit the Tonga region at 04:15 UTC on May 14, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 242 km (150 miles). EMSC is reporting 243 km (151 miles).
Epicenter of M6.4 earthquake in Tonga region on May 14, 2025. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 137 km (85 miles) W of Neiafu (population 4 320) and 269 km (167 miles) N of Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
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.
The Tonga region is located along the active Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone, where the Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the Indo-Australian Plate. This area experiences frequent moderate to strong earthquakes, many of which occur at significant depths.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
References:
1 M6.4 earthquake Tonga – USGS – May 14, 2025
2 M6.4 earthquake Tonga – EMSC – May 14, 2025
Teo Blašković founded The Watchers in 2011 and edited it until 2026, covering seismic and volcanic activity, extreme weather, space weather and near-Earth objects. Articles on this page are his archive.
