Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits Tonga

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

Rishav Kothari

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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