How often does Tonga have earthquakes?

Tonga recorded 12 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater in the past 90 days. Over the last 5 years it has averaged about 77.2 notable quakes (magnitude 5.0 or greater) per year.

What was the largest recent earthquake in Tonga?

The largest earthquake in Tonga in the last 5 years was a magnitude 7.6 near 82 km WNW of Hihifo, Tonga.

When was the last major earthquake in Tonga?

The most recent earthquake of magnitude 5.0 or greater in Tonga was a magnitude 5.3 near 26 km NW of Neiafu, Tonga.

What magnitude earthquake can you feel?

Most people begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 3.0, though it depends on depth and distance. Shallow quakes close by feel stronger than deep or distant ones of the same size.

AUTHORITATIVE DATA SNAPSHOTUpdated Sep 12, 2026, 9:12 PM UTC

EARTHQUAKES · TONGA

Tonga Earthquakes

Recent and significant earthquakes in Tonga, drawn from the USGS global earthquake feed and mapped with magnitude and time.

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Current earthquakes in Tonga (0)

Tonga has recorded 12 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater in the past 90 days.

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That is normal. Conditions can change, so check official local guidance when weather is developing.

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That is normal. Conditions can change, so check official local guidance when weather is developing.

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HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Recent earthquake history

Tonga has recorded 12 earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater in the past 90 days.

Largest in 5 yearsM7.682 km WNW of Hihifo, Tonga · May 10, 2023

Most recent M5.0+M5.326 km NW of Neiafu, Tonga · Sep 8, 2026

Notable quakes (M5+) per year77.2average over 5 years

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Notable earthquakes (magnitude 5.0+) per year in Tonga

Notable earthquakes in Tonga (last 5 years)

Magnitude	Location	Date
M7.6	82 km WNW of Hihifo, Tonga	May 10, 2023
M7.5	158 km W of Neiafu, Tonga	Mar 24, 2026
M7.3	205 km ESE of Neiafu, Tonga	Nov 11, 2022
M7.2	274 km SW of Houma, Tonga	Jun 15, 2023
M7.0	61 km SSE of Pangai, Tonga	Mar 30, 2025
M6.9	75 km W of Pangai, Tonga	Aug 25, 2024

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

How often does Tonga have earthquakes?: Tonga recorded 12 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater in the past 90 days. Over the last 5 years it has averaged about 77.2 notable quakes (magnitude 5.0 or greater) per year.
What was the largest recent earthquake in Tonga?: The largest earthquake in Tonga in the last 5 years was a magnitude 7.6 near 82 km WNW of Hihifo, Tonga.
When was the last major earthquake in Tonga?: The most recent earthquake of magnitude 5.0 or greater in Tonga was a magnitude 5.3 near 26 km NW of Neiafu, Tonga.
What magnitude earthquake can you feel?: Most people begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 3.0, though it depends on depth and distance. Shallow quakes close by feel stronger than deep or distant ones of the same size.

CONTEXT

About earthquakes in Tonga

Most earthquakes are too small to feel. The USGS reports millions of quakes a year worldwide, and the vast majority are below magnitude 2.5. A page showing no recent activity usually means no notable quakes, not that nothing is being measured.

Magnitude is a measure of the energy released at the source; shaking you actually feel also depends on depth and how far you are from the epicenter. A shallow magnitude 4 nearby can feel stronger than a deep magnitude 5 far away.

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