The capital Nuku'alofa was jolted by 5.7 magnitude earthquakes just before mid-night last night, January 5, the first earthquake to be felt at the capital this year.

Following the 5.7 magnitude quake at 11.56 pm Tongan time, there were two more smaller quakes after mid-night.

The US Geological Survey reported that the first 5.7 magnitude earthquake was located at 75km North West of Nuku'alofa at 20.617 degrees S and 175.645 degrees W, at a depth of 77.2 km.

The second earthquake at 12.16 am with a 5.6 magnitude, occurred at 60km NNW of Nuku'alofa at 20.657 degrees S, 175.495 degrees W at a depth of 15 km. Three minutes later the third quake with the lowest magnitude of 5.2 was located at 50 km NNW of Nuku'alofa at 20.707 degrees S and 175.366 degrees W at a depth of 15 km .

The Tonga Geological office confirmed this afternoon that the three moderate quakes that took place last night were the first to be felt in the capital this year.

Although there were previous light movements or quakes that took place earlier in the year, they were not felt on surface because they were located either too deep into the earth or just too weak to be felt on the surface on the surface of the earth.

The Geological office also confirmed that there was no tsunami warning following the tremors.

Strong wind warning cancelled

Meanwhile a strong wind warning that was enforced for Tonga waters yesterday, January 5 was cancelled by the Tonga Meteorological Center this morning.