Tonga Earthquake Triggers Brief Tsunami Alert, Later Canceled

Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Strikes Near Tonga, No Tsunami Threat Remains
On Sunday, March 30, 2025, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred off the coast of the Tonga Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Initially, a tsunami warning was issued, but it was later lifted after a thorough evaluation.

Authorities Confirm No Immediate Threat to Coastal Areas
The earthquake, which struck about 90 kilometers southeast of Pangai, Tonga, led to brief concerns about potential tsunami waves. The USGS (United States Geological Survey) and other agencies, including the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, initially predicted dangerous waves within a 300-kilometer radius of the epicenter. However, the threat was quickly downgraded to zero, and authorities assured there was no danger to the coasts of Tonga or Niue.

The national disaster agency of Tonga had also issued warnings urging people to stay away from beaches and low-lying coastal areas, advising those in vulnerable areas to seek higher ground. The Tonga archipelago is situated along the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire,” where seismic activity is frequent due to tectonic shifts in the region.