Houma, Tonga — A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck in the South Pacific early Friday morning, centered about 59 kilometers west-southwest of Houma, Tonga.

WHAT HAPPENED:

The earthquake hit at 5:18 AM Central Time on Friday, November 13. The U.S. Geological Survey placed the epicenter in the ocean southwest of Houma, at a depth of about 163 kilometers. That is a deep earthquake, well below the surface, which limits how strongly shaking is felt on land.

IMPACTS:

No shaking reports have been filed with the Geological Survey, and no damage has been reported. The deep location means any shaking at the surface would be far weaker than a shallow quake of the same size. No tsunami threat was issued for this earthquake.

WHAT TO DO:

If you feel shaking, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Stay away from windows and anything that could fall.

After a strong quake, check your home for damage, gas leaks, or broken glass before going back inside.

Be ready for aftershocks in the hours after the main quake.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), November 13, 2026.