Strong Magnitude 6.0 Earthquake Strikes Near Hihifo, Tonga

Earthquakes high USGS · · Tonga

A strong magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred 15 km southeast of Hihifo, Tonga, at a depth of 62.6 km on March 10, 2026. No tsunami advisory has been issued.

What Happened

A strong magnitude 6.0 (Mi) earthquake occurred near Hihifo, Tonga, on March 10, 2026, at 09:28:28 UTC. The seismic event has been officially reviewed by the USGS.

Location Details

The earthquake was centered at coordinates 16.054°S and 173.691°W, approximately 15 km southeast of Hihifo, Tonga. The event originated at a depth of 62.6 km. Seismologists classify earthquakes at this depth (between 20 and 70 km) as intermediate-depth events.

Impact Assessment

According to the source data, no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning was issued following the earthquake. There are currently no felt reports recorded for this event. The earthquake received a significance score of 554 based on its magnitude and location.

What You Should Know

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake is classified as a “strong” earthquake, which has the potential to be destructive in populated areas. Residents in the region should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks, which are routine following a major seismic event.

Source

Event data and attribution provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.

Source: USGS Official Notice