Recent earthquakes in Tonga
Tonga sits along the Tonga Trench, where the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the Australian Plate at one of the fastest convergence rates on Earth. This produces very frequent earthquakes, both shallow megathrust events and deep-focus quakes, plus submarine volcanism. The 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcanic eruption nearby was among the most powerful ever recorded. In the past 24 hours, Tonga has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.6 | Sep 9, 18:19 UTC | 499 km | 295 km WNW of Houma, Tonga |
| M4.7 | Sep 9, 12:18 UTC | 10 km | 139 km NNE of Hihifo, Tonga |
| M4.9 | Sep 8, 21:57 UTC | 10 km | 211 km ENE of Neiafu, Tonga |
| M4.9 | Sep 8, 15:43 UTC | 10 km | 53 km ESE of Hihifo, Tonga |
| M5.3 | Sep 8, 11:51 UTC | 10 km | 26 km NW of Neiafu, Tonga |
| M4.5 | Sep 8, 01:39 UTC | 569 km | south of the Fiji Islands |
| M4.4 | Sep 7, 22:35 UTC | 542 km | 213 km ENE of Levuka, Fiji |
| M4.5 | Sep 6, 21:08 UTC | 605 km | 236 km E of Levuka, Fiji |
Notable recent activity
A moderate M5.3 earthquake struck 26 km NW of Neiafu, Tonga at 11:51 UTC on Sep 8 at a depth of 10 km.
An M4.9 earthquake struck 211 km ENE of Neiafu, Tonga at 21:57 UTC on Sep 8 at a depth of 10 km.
An M4.9 earthquake struck 53 km ESE of Hihifo, Tonga at 15:43 UTC on Sep 8 at a depth of 10 km.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Tonga have so many earthquakes?
The Pacific Plate subducts beneath Tonga along the Tonga Trench at up to 24 cm per year, among the fastest plate convergence rates measured. This rapid subduction generates abundant earthquakes across a wide range of depths.
Does Tonga get tsunamis?
Yes. Tonga faces tsunami risk from both large offshore earthquakes and submarine volcanic eruptions, as the devastating 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption demonstrated. Coastal communities are advised to move to high ground after strong shaking.
How large can Tonga's earthquakes be?
The Tonga region regularly produces magnitude 7 earthquakes and occasional magnitude 8 events, including deep-focus quakes. A magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck the Tonga area in May 2006.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.