Tsunami Advisory Cancelled for Samoa after earthquake of magnitude 7.6 strikes Tonga islands

2026-03-24 - 08:44

A tsunami advisory for Samoa has been cancelled following a 7.6 magnitude quake hit just after 5.30pm about 661 km Southwest (SW) of Apia, Samoa. The Samoa Meteorological Services immediately issued a tsumani advisory, but said there was no tsunami threat to Samoa, as the depth of the quake was 236.7 km. After two hours at 7.40pm, the Samoa Met Office issued a cancellation of the Tsunami Advisory. “It is advised that the threat is now over.” Tonga was placed under tsunami warning with the epicentre just 30 kilometres off the coast of Vava’u. The warning has since also been lifted for most of Tonga – but remains in place this evening for the island group that is closest to the earthquake. A Tonga government official in Vava’u says the earthquake that struck the kingdom had not caused significant damage. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) aid a tsunami was not expected. “There is no tsunami threat because the earthquake is located too deep inside the earth,” PTWC said. However, Tonga’s National Emergency Operation Centre put out an urgent tsunami alert for the country. The officer in charge of the group for the environment and disaster ministry, Lucy Faanunu, said there was no significant damage in Neiafu on the main island in the group. She said she was driving home from work when the quake struck. “When I was driving it was shaking the steering wheel was shaking like left, right, left right. “And then when I arrived home my son said ‘Mum did you feel the earthquake? Because it was quite long!” Faanunu said laughing. Faanunu said as a precaution against any potential tsunami waves. people have been told to move to higher ground and stay there until an official all clear was given. RNZ Pacific’s correspondent in Nuku’alofa Kalafi Moala said he had experienced many quakes in Tonga but this one felt different. “This was a long one. Probably the longest I have experienced here. And now the sirens are going and there’s announcements that people should quickly evacuate to higher ground.” National Bank of Samoa Customer Satisfaction Survey! “TELL us about your experience with NBS Digital & In Branch Services” – Fill out form.