A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck near Vavaʻu this afternoon, prompting Tonga’s National Tsunami Warning Centre to issue an advisory confirming there was no tsunami threat to the Kingdom.
The earthquake occurred at 4.38pm on Monday, 12 October 2026, approximately 80 kilometres west of Neiafu, at a depth of 198 kilometres.
According to the Tonga Meteorological Service, the earthquake was recorded at latitude 18.5 degrees south and longitude 174.7 degrees west.
The National Tsunami Warning Centre issued its first advisory at 6pm, following reports that the earthquake had been felt in Vavaʻu.
“Based on the earthquake information above, and the felt earthquake report from Vavaʻu Met Services, a tsunami wave is unlikely to affect Tonga,” the advisory stated.
No Tsunami Threat Expected
The Meteorological Service confirmed that the earthquake posed no tsunami threat to Tonga and said the advisory would be its final communication unless significant changes occurred.
Authorities also confirmed that the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) had not been activated.
The earthquake’s depth of 198 kilometres places it in the intermediate-depth category, meaning it originated well beneath the Earth’s surface.
Earthquakes at such depths are generally less likely to generate tsunamis than shallow earthquakes that cause significant displacement of the seafloor.
The Meteorological Service cautioned that the preliminary magnitude could be revised as additional seismic information became available.
There were no details in the advisory about damage, injuries or disruption to services in Vavaʻu.
The National Tsunami Warning Centre reiterated that only warnings issued by the Tonga Meteorological Service represent the official tsunami warning status for Tonga.