The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 7.3 quake was centered 211 kilometers (132 miles) east-southeast of Neiafu, Tonga, at a depth of 24.8 kilometers (15 miles).
The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 7.3 quake was centered 211 kilometers (132 miles) east-southeast of Neiafu, Tonga, at a depth of 24.8 kilometers (15 miles).
It predicted strong shaking but said the probability of serious damage or casualties was small.
It predicted strong shaking but said the probability of serious damage or casualties was small.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami advisory, which is one step below a tsunami warning.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami advisory, which is one step below a tsunami warning.
An undersea volcano erupted in Tonga in January, killing three people, blanketing its main island with a thick layer of volcanic ash and shooting millions of tons of water vapor high up into the atmosphere.
An undersea volcano erupted in Tonga in January, killing three people, blanketing its main island with a thick layer of volcanic ash and shooting millions of tons of water vapor high up into the atmosphere.
Tsunami waves from the earthquake were possible within 300 km of the epicentre along the coasts of Niue and Tonga, it added.
Tsunami waves from the earthquake were possible within 300 km of the epicentre along the coasts of Niue and Tonga, it added.
The quake was at a depth of 10 km, the USGS said, though elsewhere it had been reported as being at a depth of 24km
The quake was at a depth of 10 km, the USGS said, though elsewhere it had been reported as being at a depth of 24km
A message posted to social media by a local woman on Friday morning said she was moving inland and to higher ground.
A message posted to social media by a local woman on Friday morning said she was moving inland and to higher ground.
"Keep safe, drive safely, and look out for one another please.," it said.
"Keep safe, drive safely, and look out for one another please.," it said.