M5.3 Depth: 35.0 km

M5.3 Earthquake near TONGA REGION

UTC time: 2026-07-08 12:18:58 UTC Local time:
M5.3 earthquake near TONGA REGION on Jul 8, 2026 — map of epicenter and shaking intensity | QuakeMap24
M5.3 Earthquake near TONGA REGION · 2026-07-08 12:18:58 UTC

About this earthquake

On July 8, 2026 at 12:18 UTC, a magnitude M5.3 earthquake occurred near TONGA REGION. The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 35 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Earthquakes of this magnitude can damage poorly built structures.

The event was recorded by EMSC.

Details

Magnitude
M5.3
Depth
35.0 km
UTC time
2026-07-08 12:18:58 UTC
Local time
Country
Source
emsc
Coordinates
-23.04780, -174.11180
Temperature
21.8°C

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 35 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 35 km
Shallow
35 km
Why depth matters

Shallow quakes release energy near the surface — shaking is felt more strongly and damage potential is higher.

Depth classes per USGS

Estimated impact

Green No or minimal impact expected.

Tectonic context

Located on the Pacific Plate.
Near the boundary Tonga ↔ Pacific · about 42 km away

Nearby population centers

Distances are straight-line distances from the epicenter. Population data: GeoNames.

PlaceDistanceDirectionPopulation
Nuku'alofa240.3 kmNW22'400

GeoNames · CC BY 4.0

Volcanoes nearby

  • Tofua Arc at 21.3°S
    Distance: 247 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -68 m ·Last eruption: 1932 ·Tonga
  • Tofua Arc at 21.1°S
    Distance: 270 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -65 m ·Tonga
  • Tofua Arc at 20.9°S
    Distance: 286 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -296 m ·Last eruption: 2017 ·Tonga
  • Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai
    Distance: 307 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 114 m ·Last eruption: 2022 ·Tonga
  • Fonuafo'ou
    Distance: 332 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -17 m ·Last eruption: 1936 ·Tonga
  • Kermadec Arc at 24.8°S
    Distance: 354 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -385 m ·Tonga

Subsequent earthquakes nearby

Events recorded after this earthquake within 150 km. They are not automatically classified as aftershocks.

First 6 hours2
First 24 hours2
First 72 hours2
Strongest subsequent eventM5.4

Comparison of seismic sources

2 sources currently report magnitudes from M5.3 to M5.3.

Measurements can differ because agencies use different networks and calculation methods. Values may be revised.

SourceMagnitudeDepthPosition difference
GFZM5.310.0 km40.1 km
EMSCM5.335.0 km0.0 km

Historical context nearby

Comparison with recorded earthquakes before this event within 150 km.

Magnitude rank#2
Earlier events M≥445
Earlier events M≥525
Compared since2025-02-08

The QuakeMap24 comparison dataset begins on 2024-03-23. Earlier earthquakes may not be included.

Strongest earlier events

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)
642
Country (24h)
Current earthquakes in
Magnitude Place Local time
No recent events available.

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