Tongan authorities have lifted the tsunami warning issued after a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Ha‘apai in the early hours of Monday morning.
The earthquake prompted widespread evacuations on the main island of Tongatapu as emergency sirens sounded throughout coastal communities.
The quake hit at a depth of 29 kilometers (18 miles) and was centred about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of the main island in the early morning hours of Monday local time, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
Hours later, a second 6.1 magnitude quake hit in the same area.
Lotu Tupou, a terrified resident of Tongatapu, took to social media to describe the violent shaking that seemed to “go on forever” before tsunami sirens began wailing across the island nation.
MetService had advised residents, especially those in the Ha’apai island group, to move inland as a precaution.
Video shared on Facebook showed long lines of vehicles on roads as they made their way to higher ground inland.
No injuries or significant damage have been reported as of press time.
Debates
Both Tonga Broadcasting Commission (TBC) and Broadcom FM 87.5 remained operational during the tsunami warning, broadcasting live updates and fielding calls from residents.
They routinely intersperse emergency updates with hymns and religious songs.
While some callers offered evacuation advice, others sparked debate, including one who urged listeners to “stay home” on religious grounds.
“It’s Sunday—God has prepared everything for us”, he said.
“The tsunami won’t come,” insisted the caller, dismissing evacuation orders.
In stark contrast, another listener countered: “This is an emergency. We must obey the police and authorities now,” emphasizing the need for immediate action.
The divide highlighted tensions between faith-based trust and official disaster protocols as coastal communities fled to higher ground.
This latest dispute echoes tensions during last year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga, when a powerful earthquake triggered a midday tsunami alert.
Local radio broadcasts shifted to playing hymns, but this decision was met with criticism on social media.
Some commenters expressed concerns that the sound of hymns heightened anxiety among children as they attempted to make their way home.
However, proponents of the religious practice argued that Tongans are deeply religious and view God as their saviour.
