Key Points:
- A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck 100 km northeast of Tonga’s main island on Sunday, sparking panic across the region.
- The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert for dangerous sea waves within a 300 km radius of the epicenter.
- No major damage has been reported in Tonga so far, but the region remains on high alert.
- This comes days after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, which claimed over 1,700 lives.
- India has launched “Operation Brahma” to assist Myanmar and Thailand with relief materials and rescue teams.
Tonga: A massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked the Tonga Islands in the Pacific Ocean on Sunday, triggering widespread panic and prompting tsunami warnings for coastal areas. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at a depth of 10 km, with its epicenter located approximately 100 km northeast of Tonga’s main island. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert for potentially hazardous sea waves within a 300 km radius of the epicenter, urging residents to stay away from coastal areas.
Tonga on High Alert
Tonga, an archipelago comprising 171 islands and home to around 100,000 people, has a history of being affected by earthquakes and tsunamis due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire a seismically active region. While no significant damage or casualties have been reported so far, authorities remain vigilant as aftershocks are expected in the coming days.
Residents described moments of panic as tremors were felt across the islands. “We felt a strong jolt, and everyone rushed outside their homes,” said a local resident from Nuku’alofa, Tonga’s capital.
Myanmar and Thailand Reeling from Earlier Earthquake
Sunday’s earthquake in Tonga follows another catastrophic event in Southeast Asia just days earlier. On Friday, March 28, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, causing widespread devastation. In Myanmar, over 1,700 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 3,400 injured and hundreds still missing. The military government has declared emergencies in six states and regions as rescue operations continue.
In Thailand’s capital Bangkok, an under-construction building collapsed during the quake, killing several workers and injuring dozens more. The destruction has left thousands homeless across both countries as relief efforts struggle to meet the scale of the disaster.
India’s Swift Response: Operation Brahma
In response to the crisis in Myanmar and Thailand, India has launched “Operation Brahma,” dispatching five military aircraft loaded with relief materials and rescue teams to assist affected areas. The consignment includes medical supplies, food packets, tents, blankets, and advanced rescue equipment.
Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are actively engaged in clearing debris and providing medical aid to survivors in Myanmar’s worst-hit regions. “India stands in solidarity with its neighbors during this difficult time,” said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Global Seismic Activity Raises Concerns
The recent earthquakes in Tonga, Myanmar, and Thailand highlight increasing seismic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire a tectonic hotspot responsible for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Experts warn that such events could become more frequent due to shifting tectonic plates.
Dr. Rajiv Bansal, a leading seismologist at IIT Delhi, explained: “The Pacific Ring of Fire is one of the most geologically active regions on Earth. These back-to-back quakes are a reminder of how vulnerable nations along this belt are to natural disasters.”
Preparedness Amid Uncertainty
While Tonga appears to have escaped significant damage this time, its proximity to underwater volcanoes and tectonic fault lines makes it highly susceptible to future seismic events. Governments across the Pacific region are being urged to strengthen early warning systems and disaster preparedness measures.
The tragedies unfolding in Myanmar and Thailand serve as stark reminders of how devastating earthquakes can be when they strike unprepared regions with dense populations.
As Tonga remains on high alert following Sunday’s earthquake and tsunami warning, Southeast Asia continues grappling with the aftermath of last week’s deadly quake in Myanmar and Thailand. With global seismic activity on the rise, these events underscore the urgent need for international collaboration in disaster management and preparedness.
For now, all eyes remain on Tonga as authorities monitor aftershocks and potential tsunami threats while extending support to neighboring nations still reeling from their own tragedies.
