# M4.8 Earthquake Strikes South of 'Ohonua, Tonga

Nuku'alofa, Tonga —

**What happened:**

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the waters south of Tonga on Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey reports. The quake hit at 11:51 AM Central Time (5:51 AM local time), centered about 144 kilometers (90 miles) south-southwest of 'Ohonua, on the island of 'Eua. It struck at a depth of about 35 kilometers (22 miles).

**Impacts:**

The epicenter was well offshore and far from population centers. At this magnitude, depth and distance, no damage is expected, and none has been reported. Shaking on the nearest islands would have been light at most.

**What to do:**

- If you felt shaking, check your home for cracks, shifted furniture or fallen items, and check gas and water lines for damage.

- Aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days. If the ground starts moving, drop, cover and hold on.

- Stay clear of damaged buildings until they have been checked.

*Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), October 22, 2026.*