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Preliminary magnitude 7.6 earthquake strikes near Tonga in South Pacific Ocean

The United States Geological Survey said the quake struck early Tuesday evening local time at a depth of about 237 km.

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Neiafu: A strong preliminary magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, March 24.

Geological Survey said the quake struck early Tuesday evening local time at a depth of about 237 km.

Earthquakes at shallower depths are felt more strongly at the surface.

The jolt was centred at sea, 153 km west of Neiafu, the second largest town in the island nation.

There were no immediate reports of damage.

This post was last modified on March 24, 2026 11:59 am

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