7.6 magnitude earthquake strikes off coast of Tonga

A major earthquake has occurred off the coast of Tonga.

The 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred at 5:02 am local time Thursday and was centred 95.4 km west-northwest of Hihifo, Tonga at a depth of 210 km.

The Tsunami Warning Center said there was no threat to Pacific coasts including Tonga. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology also said there was no threat to Australia.

The area frequently sees earthquakes.