A 7.9 magnitude quake which struck about 209km (130 miles) south-east of Tonga has triggered a tsunami in the South Pacific.
A 7.9 magnitude quake which struck about 209km (130 miles) south-east of Tonga has triggered a tsunami in the South Pacific.
Tsunami waves are believed to have now reached parts of Tonga, Samoa and other islands, according to the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
Waves have likely hit parts of Tonga, Samoa and other islands, the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says, but there are no immediate reports of damage.
"It may have been destructive along coastlines of the region near the earthquake epicentre," the centre said.
"It may have been destructive along coastlines of the region near the earthquake epicentre," the centre said.
The quake hit at 0618 local time (1818 GMT) at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles).
The quake hit at 0618 local time (1818 GMT) at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles).
ALERT ISSUED FOR TongaNiueKermadec IslandsSamoaAmerican SamoaWallis-FutunaFiji
ALERT ISSUED FOR TongaNiueKermadec IslandsSamoaAmerican SamoaWallis-FutunaFiji
There were no immediate indications of any damage or casualties on Tonga's main island, Tongan police said in the capital, Nuku'alofa.
US monitors advised that some coastal areas of Hawaii could see a rise in sea level and strong currents lasting up to several hours but said no destructive impact was expected.
'People laughing'
Tonga resident Pesi Fonua told the Associated Press the quake had lasted for "something like 20 seconds" but he had seen no damage.
Police spokesman Niua Kama told the agency residents did not appear to take the warning seriously.
"People are out on the roads, laughing at the warning," he said.
They were not moving back from the coast despite tsunami warnings, the spokesman added.
The epicentre is 480km (300 miles) south-east of Fiji's Ndoi Island and 1,830km (1,140 miles) north-east of Auckland, New Zealand.
The epicentre is 480km (300 miles) south-east of Fiji's Ndoi Island and 1,830km (1,140 miles) north-east of Auckland, New Zealand.
The island state of Tonga is a developing tourist destination.
The island state of Tonga is a developing tourist destination.
US monitors advised that some coastal areas of Hawaii could see a rise in sea level and strong currents lasting up to several hours but said no destructive impact was expected.
There were no immediate indications of any damage or casualties on Tonga's main island, Tongan police said in the capital, Nuku'alofa.
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by this incident, or have you seen or heard anything? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by this incident, or have you seen or heard anything? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.
