A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck near Tonga early on Monday morning, local time, prompting immediate tsunami alerts for the Pacific island nation.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake occurred approximately 62 miles northeast of the main island of Tongatapu.

The event was felt by around 1,000 residents.

In response to the seismic activity, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a warning indicating that hazardous waves could potentially impact coastlines within a 185-mile radius of the quake's epicenter.

However, this warning was later lifted as assessments continued.

Sirens were activated across the region, leading many residents to evacuate to higher ground or move inland as a precautionary measure.

Reports indicated no immediate damage following the seismic event, but the situation remains dynamic as local authorities assess the aftermath.

Tonga, a Polynesian nation comprising 171 islands, is home to a population of just over 100,000, with the majority residing on Tongatapu.

The islands are located more than 2,000 miles from the eastern coast of Australia, which has confirmed there is no tsunami threat to its shores.

Tonga has a recent history of tsunamis, notably one triggered by the eruption of an underwater volcano in January 2022, which resulted in significant damage and loss of life.

In a related incident across the Pacific, California's central coast experienced tsunami waves reaching heights of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters), along with flooding reported in beach parking areas at Port San Luis.

This wave action followed a tsunami that caused fatalities in Peru and damage spanning from New Zealand to California, resulting in the death of seven individuals and over $180 million in damages within Tonga.

The recent earthquake in Tonga comes on the heels of a devastating quake in Myanmar that occurred on Friday, resulting in at least 1,700 fatalities and over 3,000 injuries.

Rescue operations are ongoing in Myanmar, hampered by a prolonged civil conflict.