Magnitude 5.6 earthquake strikes near Nukalofa, Tongatapu, Tonga
5.6 quake 19 Nov 3:41 pm (GMT +13)

An earthquake of magnitude 5.6 occurred early afternoon on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, at 3:41 pm local time near Nukalofa, Tongatapu, Tonga, as reported by the United States Geological Survey.
According to preliminary data, the quake was located at a shallow depth of 10 km. Shallow earthquakes are felt more strongly than deeper ones as they are closer to the surface. The exact magnitude, epicenter, and depth of the quake might be revised within the next few hours or minutes as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies issue their report.
A second report was later issued by Geoscience Australia (GeoAu), which listed it as a magnitude 5.9 earthquake. A third agency, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), reported the same quake at magnitude 5.6.
Based on the preliminary seismic data, the quake was probably felt by many people in the area of the epicenter. It should not have caused significant damage, other than objects falling from shelves, broken windows, etc.
In Haveluloto (pop. 3,400) located 60 km from the epicenter, Nukalofa (pop. 22,400) 61 km away, Lapaha (pop. 8,000) 70 km away, and Kolonga (pop. 1,100) 75 km away, the quake should have been felt as light shaking.
Weak shaking might have been felt in ‘Ohonua (pop. 1,200) located 90 km from the epicenter.
VolcanoDiscovery will automatically update magnitude and depth if these change and follow up if other significant news about the quake become available. If you’re in the area, please send us your experience through our reporting mechanism, either online or via our mobile app. This will help us provide more first-hand updates to anyone around the globe who wants to know more about this quake.


Earthquake data:
Date & time: Nov 19, 2024 03:41 pm (GMT +13) local time (19 Nov 2024 02:41 GMT)
Magnitude: 5.6
Depth: 10.0 km
Epicenter latitude / longitude: 21.12°S / 175.79°W (Tonga)
Primary data source: USGS
https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/earthquake/news/258232/Magnitude-56-earthquake-strikes-near-Nukalofa-Tongatapu-Tonga.html