6.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Tonga; No Immediate Casualties

A 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck 70 km northwest of Fangale’ounga, Tonga, at 09:47 local time on Monday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicenter was pinpointed at 19.377 degrees south latitude and 174.869 degrees west longitude, with a depth of 112.2 km. Despite the significant tremor, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Residents in the capital reported feeling the earthquake, leading Tongan officials to advise people to move inland and seek higher ground as a precaution. However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has not issued any tsunami warnings following the quake. This event occurs in the context of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for its frequent and intense seismic activity, affecting countries like Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu.