WELLINGTON, New Zealand –
A robust underwater earthquake struck Friday off Tonga within the southern Pacific, prompting authorities to concern a tsunami advisory.
The U.S. Geological Survey mentioned the magnitude 7.3 quake was centred 211 kilometres (132 miles) east-southeast of Neiafu, Tonga, at a depth of 24.8 kilometres (15 miles). It predicted robust shaking however mentioned the chance of great injury or casualties was small.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami advisory, which is one step under a tsunami warning.
An undersea volcano erupted in Tonga in January, killing three individuals, blanketing its foremost island with a thick layer of volcanic ash and capturing thousands and thousands of tons of water vapor excessive up into the ambiance.