A devastating earthquake shook Tonga. According to Indian time, the earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean near Tonga, off Australia's eastern coast, on Tuesday morning. According to US Geological Survey sources, the earthquake measured 7.6 on the Richter scale. It has been learned that the earthquake's epicenter was 153 kilometers away from Neiafu, Tonga's second-largest city. The earthquake's source was 237 kilometers deep from the earth's surface. Scientists are increasingly concerned because of the earthquake's significant depth.

It has been learned that no tsunami warning has been issued for this incident yet. No major damage has occurred so far. Residents of large settlements felt this earthquake quite clearly.

Also Read | 'Deeply painful event for country': 66 killed in Colombian military plane crash minutes after takeoff

However, Tonga's government has issued an advisory for the country's residents. People have been urged to move away quickly from coastal areas. Additionally, the general public has been advised not to go to beaches until the government gives further instructions.

Authorities urge residents to stay away from coastal areas

This small island nation of Tonga, located at Australia's far eastern edge, is geologically extremely unstable. Recently, multiple earthquakes have occurred in the Tonga and Samoa region. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes have occurred in this area located at the tectonic plate boundary. A few months ago, an earthquake occurred where the aftershock magnitude was also above 6.0.

A terrible earthquake also occurred in this area in 2022. Scientists report that this earthquake was one of the most powerful tremors of the twenty-first century. A devastating volcanic eruption also occurred at that time.

Also Read | $800 million damage? Iran strikes hit US bases hard in West Asia

Tuesday's earthquake has also genuinely frightened geologists. They have reported that this earthquake's source is quite deep underground. For this reason, no major damage has occurred initially. However, aftershocks from earthquakes of this magnitude are terrible. Tsunamis can also be generated after such earthquakes. The administration is currently keeping a close watch on the situation. The administration wants to protect citizens from any major harm.