A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga, prompting an initial tsunami warning that was later lifted for the Pacific island nation.
The US Geological Survey said the quake hit about 100 kilometres (62 miles) northeast of the main island in the early hours of Monday local time.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii initially issued an alert, saying hazardous waves could be possible, but later confirmed there was no longer a tsunami threat.
According to the Talanoa o Tonga news site, tsunami sirens sounded following the 1:18am quake, urging residents to move inland. There were no immediate reports of damage.
Residents in the Ha'apai island group reportedly moved calmly to higher ground, the site said.
Tonga, located in Polynesia, comprises 171 islands and has a population of just over 100,000, most of whom live on the main island of Tongatapu. It lies more than 3,500 kilometres (2,000 miles) off Australia’s east coast.
The tremor comes just days after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar killed more than 1,600 people and left hundreds missing.
