USGS Tonga’s government asked citizens to move inland early Saturday after a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck offshore about 211 km (131 miles) from the capital, although a tsunami warning issued for Tonga and American Samoa was lifted. The quake was at a depth of 24.8 kilometers (15.4 miles) that struck the sea about 211 kilometers (131 miles) east-southeast of Neiafu, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). “Based on all available data, the tsunami threat from this earthquake has now passed,” the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand, the country’s National Emergency Management Agency said on Twitter. Tonga’s meteorological service continued to warn residents to stay inland and on high ground. “Please stay inland and on high ground and please listen to the radio until further instructions. For mariners, stay away from reefs in deep oceans,” it said on its Facebook page. In January, the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano triggered a tsunami that destroyed villages and resorts and disrupted communications for the South Pacific nation of about 105,000 people. At least three people were killed.
