By Katalina Siasau

A tsunami warning remains in force for the Vava'u Group following a major earthquake and aftershocks in the region this evening.  A one-foot wave, detected at Neiafu, Vava’u at 6:30 pm, was the only wave recorded. 

Tonga Meteorological Services has cancelled the tsunami warning for other areas including Tongatapu, the Niuas, Ha’apai, and ‘Eua at 7:18 pm on 24 March 2026.

The National Tsunami Warning Center advised that based on tide gauge readings, the threat has passed for most areas but continues for Vava'u.

This follows a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that occurred at 5:38 pm, located 138 km west of Vava'u at a depth of 237 km.

While evacuations from the Nuku’alofa waterfront began shortly after the initial warning, the tsunami threat was canceled after approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

According to Meteorological Director Laitia Fifita, a one-foot wave detected at Neiafu, Vava’u at 6:30 pm was the only wave recorded. 

A 5.1 magnitude aftershock occurred at Neiafu at 6:22 pm.