The US Tsunami Warning Centre earlier warned waves were possible within 300 kilometres of the epicentre, which struck approximately 100 kilometres off the coast of Tonga.

In short:

  • The US Tsunami Warning Centre says the threat of a tsunami has passed following a magnitude-7.1 earthquake off the coast of Tonga.
  • There is no threat to the Australian mainland, according to the Joint Tsunami Warning Centre.
  • Residents of Tonga were warned to move to higher ground or away from the coasts.