In the early hours of Thursday, Tonga, a Pacific island nation, experienced a 7.6-magnitude earthquake, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake originated approximately 100 kilometers off the remote volcanic island of Niuatoputapu, at a depth of 210 kilometers. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or significant damage resulting from the seismic event.Although the quake caused strong vibrations, there was no tsunami risk associated with it. Gary Vite, the chief meteorologist at Tonga Meteorological Services, confirmed that they received calls from individuals who felt the tremors but noted that no damage reports had been received thus far.
The impact of the earthquake was also felt in Apia, the capital of Samoa, located around 360 kilometers away from the epicenter. The Samoa Meteorological Service reported strong vibrations in their office but confirmed no damage had been reported.Tonga and Samoa, situated within the Pacific’s volatile “Ring of Fire,” frequently experience seismic activity due to the movement of tectonic plates in the region. Despite the magnitude of this earthquake, the absence of injuries and damage is a relief for the affected nations.
The authorities will continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary updates to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents in the area.While seismic events can be unsettling, the lack of any significant impact in this instance serves as a reminder of the resilience and preparedness of the Pacific island nations in dealing with natural disasters.