Earthquake Strikes Near Nuku’alofa, Tonga
A significant earthquake, measured at magnitude 5.5, struck approximately 129 kilometers northeast of Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on January 31, 2026. This seismic event occurred at 9:59 AM local time, which is 08:59 PM Universal Time.
What We Know
- The earthquake was reported by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and occurred at a depth of 26 kilometers.
- A secondary report from France’s Réseau National de Surveillance Sismique (RéNaSS) indicated a slightly lower magnitude of 5.2.
- Additional agencies, including RaspberryShake and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), confirmed the magnitude at 5.5.
- The quake is not expected to have caused significant damage but may have been felt as light vibrations in the vicinity.
- Weak shaking could have been experienced in nearby areas like ‘Ohonua, Pangai, and Nuku’alofa.
What’s Still Unclear
Details on potential damage or injuries are limited in the source reporting so far.
What This Means
Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain alert for aftershocks and monitor local news updates for any reports of damage or safety instructions. Although significant destruction is not anticipated, awareness of the situation remains important.
What to Watch Next
Updates regarding the earthquake’s magnitude and depth may follow as seismologists refine their data and further assess the event. Residents are encouraged to report their experiences to aid in ongoing assessments.
Original source: Open the source
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