A powerful magnitude-7.3 earthquake has shaken Tonga, striking just 127 km southeast of Pangai on Wednesday. 🚨 The quake triggered an immediate response from authorities, with the government issuing an urgent evacuation order for affected areas.
Qianqian, a resident of the capital Nuku'alofa, shared snapshots of the chaos: "Everyone’s on the move—roads are packed with cars heading out of town." 🚗💨 While details on damage or injuries remain scarce, locals are prioritizing safety as aftershocks remain a concern.
Why it matters: Tonga lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a hotspot for seismic activity. 🌊 Earthquakes here often raise tsunami fears, though no alerts have been confirmed yet. Stay tuned for updates as rescue teams assess the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com