NUKU’ALOFA: An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 struck the eastern region of the Tonga islands in the South Pacific, as reported on Thursday. The tremor, recorded by the US Geological Survey, did not result in any casualties or significant property damage, though it was felt in the area.
According to Qatar News Agency, the earthquake’s epicenter was situated 134 kilometers east of the town of Ohonua, and the seismic activity occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers below the ocean’s surface. Despite the moderate magnitude of the earthquake, there have been no immediate reports of adverse effects on the local population or infrastructure.
Tonga, an archipelago comprising 176 islands, is located northwest of New Zealand and Australia in the South Pacific Ocean. Only 52 of these islands are inhabited, making the region vulnerable to natural events such as earthquakes and tropical cyclones. The islands frequently experience seismic activity due to their location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its tectonic plate movements and volcanic activity.
While the recent earthquake did not cause any immediate harm, the event serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The local authorities are likely to continue monitoring the area for potential aftershocks or other related seismic activities.