Earthquake 7.3 SR Guncang Tonga, Government ISSUEs Tsunami Warning

JAKARTA - The Tongan government issued a tsunami warning on Friday, after a magnitude 7.3 earthquake hit the sea about 207 km (128 miles) from the capital, and warned residents to move to land to higher ground.

The quake was at a depth of 24.8 km (15.4 miles) that hit the sea about 207 km (128.6 miles) southeast of Neiafu, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

A tsunami warning was also issued to America's Samoa, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC). A dangerous tsunami wave from the earthquake may have occurred within 300 km of the epicenter along the coasts of Niue and Tonga, he said.

Meanwhile, Tongan meteorological services warned residents to move to the interior.

"The urgent tsunami warning now applies to all of Tonga because of the strong earthquake felt in the Kingdom tonight. Please move to the mainland immediately until further advice is suggested," he said on his Facebook page.

In January, the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano triggered a tsunami that destroyed villages and resorts, cutting off communications for the South Pacific nation of about 105.000 people.