Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits Tonga
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit Tonga at 06:15 UTC on March 22, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Epicenter of M6.2 earthquake in Tonga on March 22, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 102 km (64 miles) NE of Hihifo (population 815), Tonga, and 221 km (137 miles) SW of Apia (population 40 407), Samoa.
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 construction.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.2 earthquake Tonga – USGS – March 22, 2026
2 M6.2 earthquake Tonga – EMSC – March 22, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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