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 3 earthquakes, the largest an M5.5 (283 km E of Levuka, Fiji).
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M5.0 | Oct 27, 09:07 UTC | 10 km | 95 km NNE of Hihifo, Tonga |
| M4.3 | Oct 26, 10:30 UTC | 637 km | 287 km E of Levuka, Fiji |
| M5.5 | Oct 26, 10:13 UTC | 642 km | 283 km E of Levuka, Fiji |
| M4.5 | Oct 23, 12:19 UTC | 572 km | 193 km ENE of Levuka, Fiji |
| M4.3 | Oct 23, 06:07 UTC | 463 km | 289 km W of Houma, Tonga |
| M4.9 | Oct 22, 19:06 UTC | 23 km | 104 km NNE of Hihifo, Tonga |
| M4.8 | Oct 22, 16:51 UTC | 35 km | 144 km SSW of ‘Ohonua, Tonga |
| M4.2 | Oct 22, 04:16 UTC | 625 km | Fiji region |
| M4.1 | Oct 21, 14:24 UTC | 572 km | Fiji region |
| M4.8 | Oct 20, 16:29 UTC | 110 km | south of the Fiji Islands |
Notable recent activity
A moderate M5.5 earthquake struck 283 km E of Levuka, Fiji at 10:13 UTC on Oct 26 at a depth of 642 km.
A moderate M5.0 earthquake struck 95 km NNE of Hihifo, Tonga at 09:07 UTC on Oct 27 at a depth of 10 km.
An M4.9 earthquake struck 104 km NNE of Hihifo, Tonga at 19:06 UTC on Oct 22 at a depth of 23 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.