Large earthquake strikes Tonga, no tsunami threat for New Zealand

Tsunami sirens blared and residents told to evacuate after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga.

The quake hit about 150km west of Neiafu, Tonga at a depth of 237km at 5.38pm NZ time, the US Geological Survey said.

After assessment by the National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) and GNS Science, Nema said there is no tsunami threat to New Zealand.

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Tonga’s National Disaster Risk Management Office and Tonga Meteorological Services issued a tsunami warning for Tonga’s coastal areas.

Residents were warned to move immediately to higher ground, and avoid beaches, shorelines, and low-lying coastal areas.

The tsunami warning was subsequently lifted for Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai and the Niuas, authorities say.

It remains in place for Vava’u, according to Tonga Meteorological Services.