Earthquake Hits Tonga in Midst of Pacific Islands Forum

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake has struck the Tonga region, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is reporting. The quake hit about 12:30 p.m. local time, and was followed by two aftershocks, one a minute later and measuring 6.1, and then another seven minutes later with a strength of 5.3. The USGS reports the epicentre was 21 kilometres south-south-east of Pangai at a depth of 131 kilometres. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System says no tsunami is expected. There were no reports of damages. Reports on social media said it was “quite a sharp jolt” and went on for some time. It struck as Pacific leaders gathered in Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum. The earthquake has not disrupted the event....