Tonga earthquake: Preliminary magnitude 7.6 earthquake strikes near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean, USGS says

NEIAFU, Tonga — A powerful, initial magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit close to Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean on Tuesday.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the tremor occurred early Tuesday evening, local time, approximately 237 km (148 miles) deep. Shocks from shallower quakes are typically felt more intensely on the surface.

The seismic event originated offshore, roughly 153 km (95 miles) to the west of Neiafu, Tonga’s second-largest settlement.

No immediate damage reports were received.

This remains an evolving situation. We will update this report as further details emerge.