6.9-Magnitude Earthquake Hits “Tonga” as Guterres Attends Regional Summit

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Tonga on Monday, located in the Pacific Ocean, according to the United States Geological Survey, as foreign leaders gather in the country to attend a regional summit.

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Tonga’s coastal capital, Nuku’alofa, is hosting the Pacific Islands Forum, with the presence of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, according to AFP.

Although the earthquake did not trigger a tsunami warning, some businesses and stores near the coast were briefly evacuated.

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The earthquake struck at a depth of about 106 kilometers (66 miles), but the situation quickly returned to normal in a city where earthquakes are relatively common.

Tonga is located on the “Ring of Fire,” a vast area of intense tectonic activity.