Moderate M 5.2 Earthquake Recorded Near Houma, Tonga

What Happened

A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 (mww) was recorded near Tonga on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 02:49:04 UTC. The seismic event occurred at a significant depth of 231.9 kilometers below the earth’s surface.

Location Details

The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 120 kilometers (74.5 miles) west-northwest of Houma, Tonga. The precise coordinates were recorded at 20.629°S latitude and 176.3046°W longitude. Due to its depth of over 231 kilometers, this is classified as a deep earthquake. Deep-focus earthquakes typically cause less shaking at the surface than shallower events of the same magnitude.

Impact Assessment

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), there is no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect following this event. No felt reports have been submitted to the USGS at this time, and there are no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The event has been reviewed by a seismologist and assigned a significance score of 416.

What You Should Know

A magnitude 5.2 event is characterized as a moderate earthquake. While earthquakes of this size can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings if they occur at shallow depths, the extreme depth of this particular event significantly reduces the potential for surface impact. Residents in the region should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks, though they are often less noticeable from deep-focus events.

Source

Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.