17:13, Sun, Mar 30, 2025 | UPDATED: 17:14, Sun, Mar 30, 2025
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Tonga (Image: Getty)
Tonga was rocked after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck about 62 miles northeast of the Pacific island. The quake struck in the early hours of Monday morning, local time.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued an alert saying hazardous waves could pose a threat within 300 kilometres (185 miles) of the epicentre.
Tonga's quake came just two days after Myanmar and Thailand were hit by a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
The death toll currently stands at 1,700 as people remain trapped under collapsed buildings.
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No longer a threat of a tsunami, warning centre says
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii, which issued an alert following the earthquake saying hazardous waves could be possible, has said there is no longer a tsunami threat.
Officials issue 'Yellow Wave' warning as people told to flee inland
Tonga's National Disaster Management Office and the Tongan Meteorological Agency have issued a Yellow Wave warning for coastal towns in the south of the island.
In a Facebook post, they said "urgent action" is needed. People on the island have been told to flee to higher ground or escape inland.
They have also been warned not to visit the beach or lower areas out of curiousity and to follow routes and shelters issued by the authorities.
Officials have also advised people to listen to radio, television and emergency communication channels and not to return to their homes until permission has been granted by local authorities.
The Foreign Office has just updated its travel advice for Tonga, the Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue.
On Tonga, the Foreign Office advises anyone on low-lying coastal areas to move immediately to higher ground or inland.
It urged people to follow evacuation routes and emergency instructions from local authorities and not to return until an official "all clear" message is given by The Tonga National Disaster Risk Management Office.
For the other territories, the Foreign Office said "minor" sea level fluctuations may occur in some coastal areas, including Nieu.
It added: "Remain observant and exercise normal caution near the sea. Follow instructions and advice from local authorities."
This map shows you where the epicentre of the earthquake was and the strength of the shaking. The star shows the epicentre, with the shaking described as strong to very strong on the colour scale below the map.
This map shows the epicentre of the earthquake (Image: USGS)
The earthquake in Tonga comes just days after a 7.7-magnitude quake caused destruction in Myanmar on Friday, bringing down buildings, damaging infrastructure and killing at least 1,700 people.
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