3 May 2006, Mw 8.0, Tonga

A major earthquake occurred in Tonga, about 160 km NE of Nuku’Alofa and equally far south of Neiafu. The earthquake, which happened at 4:26 AM (4 May) local time, measued 7.9 (Mw, USGS) and was felt through-out the surrounding islands. Although some damage was reported, few injuries and no deaths resulted. Steps were taken to escape a possible tsunami in Fiji and Gisborne, New Zealand.