Latest earthquakes near Nuku‘alofa, Tongatapu today
Complete overview of the latest earthquakes near Nuku‘alofa, Tongatapu, Tonga, updated every minute. Did you feel an earthquake today in Nuku‘alofa? If an earthquake is happening right now near Nuku‘alofa (also known as Nukuʻalofa), it will show up within minutes.
Recent Nuku‘alofa Earthquake News
These are the latest articles published related to earthquakes occurring near Nuku‘alofa. Check our Earthquake News section for a complete overview of articles written on earthquakes near Nuku‘alofa and elsewhere.
Nuku‘alofa Earthquake Statistics
Average
A total of 3068 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or above have struck within 300 km (186 mi) of Nuku‘alofa, Tongatapu in the past 10 years. This comes down to a yearly average of 306 earthquakes per year, or 25 per month. On average an earthquake will hit near Nuku‘alofa roughly every 1 days.
A relatively large number of earthquakes occurred near Nuku‘alofa in 2022. A total of 430 earthquakes (mag 4+) were detected within 300 km of Nuku‘alofa that year. The strongest had a 6.2 magnitude.
Magnitude Distribution
The table below visualizes the distribution of all earthquakes that occurred within 300km of Nuku‘alofa in the past 10 years. No earthquakes with a magnitude of 8 or above have occurred near Nuku‘alofa during this time. Usually, higher magnitudes are less common than lower magnitudes. Small earthquakes with a magnitude below 4 on the Richter scale have been omitted from this overview.
| Magnitude | Earthquakes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Mag. 4 | 2605 | 84.91% |
| Mag. 5 | 428 | 13.95% |
| Mag. 6 | 32 | 1.04% |
| Mag. 7 | 3 | 0.1% |
| Mag. 8 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 9 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 10 | 0 | 0.0% |
Strongest earthquakes near Nuku‘alofa
The strongest recent earthquake of the past 10 years near Nuku‘alofa occurred on Mar 24, 2026 17:37 local time (Pacific/Tongatapu timezone). It had a magnitude of 7.5 and struck 291 kilometers (181 mi) north of Nuku‘alofa, at a depth of 234 km. Discover more strong earthquakes near Nuku‘alofa in the list below.
A longer time ago, a MAG-8 earthquake struck on May 4, 2006 04:26, 154 kilometers (96 mi) north of Nuku‘alofa. It is the strongest earthquake near Nuku‘alofa in the past 126 years (Our data goes back to January 1st, 1900).
In the table below you will find the strongest earthquakes that occurred near Nuku‘alofa, Tongatapu in the past 10 years. You can use the tabs to find the heaviest historic earthquakes since the year 1900 or within a specific year or distance from Nuku‘alofa.
Nearest earthquakes from Nuku‘alofa
These are the earthquakes with their epicenter nearest to Nuku‘alofa, Tongatapu. You can use the buttons to find nearby earthquakes for a specific year or with a specific magnitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions are commonly asked in relation to earthquakes occurring near Nuku‘alofa.
When was the last earthquake in Nuku‘alofa, Tongatapu?
A 5.3 magnitude earthquake hit near Nuku‘alofa on the morning of May 28, 2026 at 08:09 local time (Pacific/Tongatapu). The center of this earthquake was located 373km northwest of Nuku‘alofa at a depth of 10km under water in the South Pacific Ocean. Check the list on our website for any earthquakes occurring near Nuku‘alofa, Tongatapu in the past hours.
What was the strongest earthquake near Nuku‘alofa, Tongatapu?
A 8 magnitude earthquake hit near Nuku‘alofa on the night of May 4, 2006 at 04:26 local time (Pacific/Tongatapu). The center of this earthquake was located 154km north-east of Nuku‘alofa at a depth of 55km under water in the South Pacific Ocean. This is the strongest earthquake that occurred near Nuku‘alofa since the year 1900.
How often do earthquakes occur near Nuku‘alofa, Tongatapu?
In the past 10 years, 3068 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or higher occurred within a 300 kilometer range from Nuku‘alofa. This averages to 307 earthquakes yearly, or one earthquake every 1 days.

May 13, 2026 10:53AM
Significant M5.1 AFTERSHOCK hit in the South Pacific Ocean near Nuku‘alofa (Tonga) on Wednesday Morning.
May 13, 2026 10:53AM
Shallow M5.1 Earthquake hit in the South Pacific Ocean 100km from Nuku‘alofa (Tonga) on Wednesday Morning.
May 13, 2026 10:19AM
On Wednesday Morning a Significant M5.7 Earthquake struck in the South Pacific Ocean 296km from Nuku‘alofa (Tonga).
Mar 24, 2026 05:37PM
On Tuesday Afternoon an Unusually powerful M7.5 Earthquake struck in the South Pacific Ocean 283km from Nuku‘alofa (Tonga).