A 5.2 magnitude earthquake strikes Tonga, causing no casualties. Full details
The South Pacific region experienced renewed seismic activity, with a 5.2 magnitude earthquake striking Tonga, according to global Earth science observatories. This event further highlights the geologically active nature of this region, known for its location within the Ring of Fire.
Details of the earthquake in Tonga
The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported a moderate earthquake in the Tongan archipelago. According to the center's technical data, the earthquake's epicenter was located at a depth of 98.5 kilometers below the Earth's surface. The epicenter was situated at 15.59 degrees south latitude and 173.07 degrees west longitude.
As of the time of writing this report, no official statements have been issued by the local authorities in Tonga indicating any human casualties or serious material damage to infrastructure, which experts often attribute to the relatively large depth of the earthquake, since deep earthquakes tend to be less destructive on the surface compared to shallow earthquakes.
Tonga and its location within the Ring of Fire
These earthquakes are not uncommon in this region; the Tonga islands lie directly on the Pacific Ring of Fire. This region is a vast arc stretching 40,000 kilometers, characterized by intense seismic and volcanic activity due to the constant movement of tectonic plates. Approximately 90% of the world's earthquakes occur within this zone, keeping the islanders constantly on alert for natural disasters.
Geography and historical context
The Kingdom of Tonga is an archipelago of 176 islands scattered across the South Pacific Ocean, only 52 of which are inhabited. These islands occupy a strategically and geologically sensitive location northwest of New Zealand and Australia. Historically, the region has witnessed significant geological events, most notably the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano in early 2022, which triggered a devastating tsunami felt worldwide, highlighting the high volatility of the Earth's crust in that area.
Tsunami fears
Earthquakes striking oceanic islands typically raise immediate concerns about tsunamis, especially if the tremors are strong and shallow. However, the magnitude of the current earthquake (5.2) and its depth (approximately 98 km) significantly reduce the likelihood of generating a destructive tsunami, as tsunamis usually require earthquakes of magnitude greater than 7 with vertical movements of the ocean floor.
Global and regional monitoring centers continue to track seismic activity in the region to ensure the safety of the population and to issue early warnings in the event of any seismic aftershocks that may pose a potential danger.
