Tonga was rocked by an earthquake which initial reports suggested could cause hazardous waves on its coastline.

It subsequently revised the assessment, saying “the tsunami threat from this earthquake has now passed”, but authorities in Tonga issued further warnings.

On a calm Monday morning, a powerful reminder of nature's unpredictability shook Tonga, as a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck just 79 km SSE of Pangai. The earthquake, occurring at 01:18 local time (12:18 GMT Sunday),

Preliminary reports from the U.S. Tsunami Warning System said tsunami waves were possible for coastlines within about 190 miles of the earthquake’s epicenter, including those on Tonga. The system issued an all-clear notice about an hour later, after a tsunami would have struck had one materialized.

A tsunami warning has been issued in Tonga following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake - the US Geological Survey said it hit around 62 miles northeast of the main island

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Tonga overnight triggered a tsunami warning and evacuations. No damage has been reported and the tsunami warning was lifted. The earthquake was also felt on Niue. The SMC asked experts to comment.

A HUGE 7.1-magnitude earthquake has hit near Tonga and Niue in the Pacific Ocean and prompted a tsunami warning. The US Geological Survey said the temblor hit about 62 miles northeast of the main

A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Tonga Islands in the South Pacific today.According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred 173 kilometres southeast of Pangai at a depth of 10 kilometres.