Hihifo, Tonga — A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck in the waters north-northeast of Hihifo, Tonga, early Tuesday morning Central time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

What happened: The quake hit at 4:07 AM Central Time on Tuesday, October 27, centered about 95 kilometers north-northeast of Hihifo at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers. A shallow quake like this can feel stronger near the epicenter than a deeper one of the same size.

Impacts: The Geological Survey listed no felt reports for this quake at the time of this report, and no tsunami threat was issued. The epicenter sits offshore in the South Pacific, away from the nearest towns.

What to do:

- Drop, cover, and hold on if shaking starts, and stay put until it stops.

- Check your home for hazards such as broken glass, gas smells, or damaged wiring before moving around.

- Stay alert for aftershocks, which can follow a quake like this in the hours ahead.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), October 27, 2026.