Nuku’alofa – Residents in Tongatapu reported feeling tremors that hit the mainland at 22:58:27 UTC but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
The epicentre of the 5.3 magnitude earthquake was latitude 22.05°S and longitude 175.01°W. Its depth was measured at 23.78 km.
The tremors from the quake centre at the village of Vaini and adjoining areas leading to fear and panic among residents who rushed out of their houses.
It was quickly taken to social media with comments on Facebooks that went like these:
11:48 pm nai ne lulu'i 'a Tonga he ki'i mofuike …malo 'Eiki ho tokoni !!! This can be translated into English as [at about 11:48 Tonga was shaken by an earthquake…Thank God for your help !!!]
Another comment was:
Earthquake and now we all 'downstair'.
After the quake the same person commented:
Were all good, thanks. Back to sender and about to put the girls to sleep.
