Africa

Africa

6.5-magnitude quake hits off Tonga

12 May 2013 04:24 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. An earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale has struck off the Pacific nation of Tonga, but there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage and no tsunami warning has been issued, APA reports quoting Press TV.

The US Geological Survey said the under-sea quake struck at 8:46 a.m. on Sunday (2046 GMT Saturday), 139 kilometers (86 miles) from the town of Neiafu, on the south coast of the island Vava'u.

The tremor struck at a depth of 205 kilometers (127 miles). The epicenter of the quake was 353 kilometers north of the capital Nuku'alofa.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said no tsunami was expected.

Tonga, about 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) northeast of New Zealand, is vulnerable to earthquakes since it is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its seismic and volcanic activity caused by friction between shifting tectonic plates.