Earthquake in ocean near Tonga

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 shook the ocean floor early Sunday near the Pacific islands of Tonga, smaller than initially estimated, the US government said.

By Space Daily Editorial Team · Editorial process

Published May 27, 2006 · Updated March 14, 2026

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 shook the ocean floor early Sunday near the Pacific islands of Tonga, smaller than initially estimated, the US government said.

The US Geological Survey originally estimated a 6.7 magnitude.

The USGS said the epicenter of the tremor, which occurred at 0336 GMT, was located 143 kilometers (89 miles) north-northeast of the island nation’s capital, Nuku’alofa.

No reports of casualties or damage were immediately available.

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