Strong M6.2 earthquake strikes offshore Tonga

A strong M6.2 earthquake was recorded at 15:28 UTC on March 22, 2026, approximately 171 km (106 miles) east-northeast of Hihifo, Tonga. The earthquake struck at a depth of 79.7 km (49.5 miles), according to data published by USGS.

The epicenter was located at coordinates 15.5°S, 172.3°W, placing it in the ocean offshore Tonga, northeast of the northern island of Niuatoputapu. The nearest populated area is Hihifo, but no populated islands are within immediate proximity to the hypocenter.

Given the offshore location, key infrastructure in the region may include maritime shipping routes, local fishing operations, and limited airstrips or ports on the inhabited islands of Tonga. There is no indication of critical mainland infrastructure near the earthquake’s origin.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

The significance index is 591 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Tonga is situated along the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone, a major plate boundary where the Pacific Plate descends beneath the Indo-Australian Plate. This area is known for frequent significant seismic activity due to ongoing plate convergence.

This information was last updated at 15:37 UTC on March 22, 2026.