World
7.2-magnitude earthquake hits Pacific south of Tonga
A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake has struck the Pacific Ocean south of Tonga, seismologists say. No tsunami warnings have been issued.
The earthquake, which struck at 7:06 a.m. local time on Friday, was centered in the ocean about 281 kilometers (175 miles) southwest of Tonga, or about 735 kilometers (455 miles) southeast of Fiji.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.2. It struck about 167 kilometers (103 miles) below the seabed, making it a fairly deep quake.
“Based on the depth of the earthquake, a tsunami is not expected,” the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center said in a statement. No tsunami warnings have been issued.
The region is on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of fault lines circling the Pacific Basin which is prone to large earthquakes.
In April, a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific Ocean about halfway between Tonga and New Zealand, causing a small tsunami which reached a nearby island.
Federal agency sues Apple for allegedly firing Jewish employee over his faith
UN authorizes new multinational Gang Suppression Force in Haiti
U.S. government to shut down at midnight after Senate blocks funding measure
Houthis claim attack on Dutch cargo ship in Gulf of Aden
-
Legal3 days ago3 killed after gunman on boat opens fire at Southport, NC restaurant
-
World1 week agoIsraeli strike in Lebanon kills 4 U.S. citizens, including 3 children
-
US News3 days agoAt least 10 people shot at Mormon Church in Michigan, others missing
-
World6 days agoMagnitude 6.2 earthquake strikes Venezuela; strong shaking reported
-
Legal5 days agoTop Model USA among 3 dead in murder-suicide outside El Paso police HQ
-
US News1 week agoErika Kirk forgives husband’s killer at memorial
-
World1 week agoGang clash in Ecuador prison leaves 14 dead
-
Legal6 days agoFlorida man arraigned in plot to bomb New York Stock Exchange