Major M7.5 earthquake strikes west of Neiafu, Tonga on March 24, 2026 (Updated)
An earthquake of magnitude M7.5 was recorded at 04:37 UTC on March 24, 2026, about 166 km (103 miles) west of Neiafu, Tonga, at a depth of 229.5 km (142.7 miles).
The coordinates place the quake at approximately 18.7°S, 175.6°W, positioning it beneath the ocean floor west of the main islands of Tonga. Neiafu is the closest notable locality. This region is part of the Tonga Trench area, known for significant tectonic activity.
Given the offshore location, the surrounding maritime region may include shipping routes, small ports, and possible undersea infrastructure related to telecommunications. No substantial urban or transport infrastructure is immediately nearby on land.
There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.
USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage.
Fifteen felt reports were received, and the maximum estimated intensity reached 5.3. The significance index is 873 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
Tonga is located in a globally significant tectonic zone at the convergent boundary between the Pacific Plate and the Indo-Australian Plate. The Tonga Trench is among the world’s most seismically active subduction zones.
This information was last updated at 05:43 UTC on March 24, 2026.