Tonga Earthquake Today Tsunami Warning: A Day of Tremors at the Forum
Tonga Earthquake Today Tsunami Warning Disrupts Summit
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake has rattled the opening day of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga.
Epicentred about 200km north of Nuku'alofa, delegates felt a long, rumbling tremor as well as aftershocks during proceedings.
There have been no immediate reports of damage or tsunami threats issued.
The earthquake was nothing new for the region, which regularly encounters natural disasters at scale.
In 2022, Tonga and the region faced a tsunami from the huge Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai undersea volcanic eruption.
French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson remarked that Monday's earthquake aligned with the summit's theme of "Transformative Resilient Pasifiki", emphasizing the region's vulnerability and resilience.
More than 1500 delegates are expected in Nuku'alofa this week for the five-day summit.
The Kingdom of Tonga has hustled to be ready on time, erecting fast-build accommodation to house the influx and opening giant new school buildings for major meetings.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed Monday's opening ceremony, celebrating the region's diversity.
Guterres highlighted ambitions for a "fossil fuel-free Pacific" as a global blueprint.
Further discussions at the summit will touch on various issues including climate change, unrest in New Caledonia, and economic resilience.
Leaders from Australia and New Zealand are set to arrive soon, furthering the agenda centered on unity and cooperation in the Pacific.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.