A 7.9 magnitude earthquake that rocked the Tongan capital at 7:17 am today was followed by a smaller 5.2 magnitude quake at 9:33 am.

The first quake that shook homes and rattled windows in Nuku'alofa for about a minute was followed by a tsunami warning for the region. The tsunami warning has now been cancelled.

Tonga's Geological Department of the Ministry of Lands reported that the first quake lasted 51 seconds and they recorded that it was actually made up of three events lasting over 17 seconds each.

According to the USGS the 7.9 earthquake was located 210 km (130 miles SSE of Nuku'alofa at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles).

It was followed by a 5.2 earthquake located 245 km (150 miles) SSE of Nuku'alofa at a depth of 35 km (21.7 miles).

There were no immediate reports of damage.

Tonga's Disaster Office this morning said they were not aware of any wave damage from the event but they were still awaiting impact assessment reports from the low-lying outer islands.

Meanwhile, a volcanic eruption at the island of Hunga Ha'apai, 64 km to the north west of Nuku'alofa is continuing today but the plume from a twin venting appears to be less intense this morning.

Warning cancelled

After the 7.7 earthquake the Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii reported that sea level readings indicated that a tsunami was generated, and that it may have been destructive along coasts near the earthquake epicentre.

"For those areas - when no major waves are observed for two hours after the estimated time of arrival or damaging waves have not occurred for at least two hours then local authorities can assume the threat is passed. Danger to boats and coastal structures can continue for several hours due to rapid currents.

"As local conditions can cause a wide variation in tsunami wave action the all clear determination must be made by local authorities. No tsunami threat exists for other coastal areas in the Pacific, although some other areas may experience small sea level changes.

"The tsunami warning is now cancelled for all areas covered by

this centre."