Earthquake of 7.6-magnitude strikes near Tonga

• A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, prompting countries in the region to assess a potential tsunami threat.
• New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency said that if a tsunami were generated, it would take at least two hours to reach New Zealand.
• The earthquake occurred at a depth of nearly 238km, 153km west of Neiafu, Tonga's second-largest town.
• The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre indicated there was no tsunami threat due to the earthquake's deep location.
• Tonga's National Disaster Risk Management Office advised residents to move immediately to higher ground and avoid coastal areas as a precaution.

IN FULL

Tonga struck by massive 7.6-magnitude earthquake as New Zealand monitors tsunami threat