Magnitude 5.2 earthquake strikes near Hihifo, Niuas, Tonga

An intermediate to deep magnitude 5.2 earthquake was reported late at night near Hihifo, Niuas, Tonga.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake hit on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, at 11:17 pm local time at an intermediate to considerable depth of 198.05 km. The strength of the earthquake may have been tempered by its relative great depth below the surface, which makes it feel weaker in absolute terms. 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.
Our monitoring service identified a second report from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) which listed the quake at magnitude 5.2 as well.
Towns or cities near the epicenter where the quake might have been felt as very weak shaking include Hihifo (pop. 300) located 80 km from the epicenter, and Vaipoa (pop. 170) 81 km away.
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: Mar 25, 2026 11:17 pm (GMT +13) local time (25 Mar 2026 10:17 GMT)
Magnitude: 5.2
Depth: 198.05 km
Epicenter latitude / longitude: 15.63°S / 174.46°W (Tonga)
Primary data source: USGS
https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/earthquake/news/298520/Magnitude-52-earthquake-strikes-near-Hihifo-Niuas-Tonga.html