POWERFUL 7.1 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE STRIKES TONGA, TSUNAMI WARNING ISSUED

An Emirati Magazine publication – Released on March 30, 2025 | www.emiratimagazine.com

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga early Monday, prompting a tsunami warning for the Pacific Island nation. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake hit approximately 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Tonga’s main island at a shallow depth of six miles. Shallower quakes tend to cause more severe ground shaking and increase the risk of tsunamis. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre warned of hazardous waves within 300 km (185 miles) of the epicenter. No immediate reports of damage were available due to the quake occurring at night.

Photo by Mohammed Soufy | Image Courtesy: www.pexels.com

Tonga, a Polynesian country with 171 islands and 100,000 residents, lies over 3,500 km (2,000 miles) from Australia’s east coast.

This earthquake follows a devastating 7.7 magnitude quake in Myanmar on Friday, where the death toll has surpassed 1,600. Myanmar’s military-run government has declared a state of emergency in six regions as aftershocks continue to impact the region.