Strong M6.0 earthquake hits Tonga
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 struck near Hihifo, Tonga at 09:28 UTC on March 8, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 116.8 km (72.6 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 117 km (72.7 miles).
Epicenter of M6.0 earthquake near Hihifo, Tonga on March 8, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 17.5 km (10.9 miles) WSW of Hihifo (population 815) and 336.1 km (208.8 miles) SW of Apia (population 40 407).
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 vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are informal (metal, timber, GI, etc.) and unknown/miscellaneous types of construction.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional Seismicity
References:
1 M6.0 earthquake Tonga – USGS – March 8, 2026
2 M6.0 earthquake Tonga – EMSC – March 8, 2026
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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