Powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake hits Tonga region

Graphics courtesy of MET Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 – The Malaysian Meteorological Department reported that a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake had hit the region surrounding the island of Tonga at around 6.48 Malaysian time.

The department said the earthquake posed no tsunami threat to Malaysia. Although a warning was issued earlier for the areas surrounding the island, it has since been removed.

The 86 km quake hit an area 968km East of Laucala, Fiji.

— WE