A Strong aftershock was felt in Nuku'alofa yesterday evening rattling the nerves of residents - but this time for only a few seconds.

Since the violent 7.9 earthquake at 4.26 am on May 4, some 20 aftershocks have been recorded by the US Geological Survey in Tonga. The aftershocks ranging from magnitude 4.4 to 6 are located in the vicinity of the major seismic event on May 4 with an epicentre in Ha'apai.

A magnitude 6 aftershock occurred at 12.25 on May 5 at a depth of 25.3 km about 145 km ENE of Nuku'lofa. Later in the day a magnitude 5.9 shock rumbled and shook buildings in the capital for a few seconds. It was located at a depth of 35km about 60km NNE of Nuku'alofa.

More details are available from the list of the earthquakes located by the USGS in the South Pacific region.