A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near Neiafu in Tonga, Polynesian archipelago nation of 171 islands in the South Pacific. on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake occurred about 153 kilometres west of Neiafu at a depth of approximately 237.5 kilometres, making it a deep-focus event.
It took place around 4:37 UTC. Authorities reported no immediate damage or injuries. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) stated that no tsunami alert was issued because the earthquake occurred too deep beneath the Earth’s surface.
This occurred a day after a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Hihifo in Tonga on Monday. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), that quake had a depth of 79.7 kilometres (49.52 miles).
On the same day, Nepal also experienced seismic activity, with a magnitude 4.1 earthquake affecting the Sudurpaschim province in the afternoon.
No immediate reports of casualties or property damage were received in either case.
According to the Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre, the tremor occurred at 1:14 pm, with its epicentre near the Rayal area of Bajhang. Shaking was also felt in nearby districts, including Bajura and Baitadi.
Earlier, on March 17, a magnitude 4 earthquake struck Nepal’s Sudurpaschim province, with its epicentre in the Sitaula area of Darchula district, as reported by the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre.
Nepal experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location in highly active tectonic zones (Seismic Zones IV and V), which makes it particularly prone to seismic activity. The country is ranked 11th among the most earthquake-prone nations in the world.
