A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck the Tonga Islands in the Pacific Ocean on Sunday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake's epicenter was located 90 kilometers southeast of Pangai. Due to the strong tremors, the American Tsunami Warning Center has cautioned that the Niue Island could be affected by a tsunami. Coastal areas in Tonga and Niue may experience waves rising between 0.3 meters to 1 meter, with a potential tsunami threat within 300 kilometers of the epicenter. Officials have urged residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground for safety.

The Tonga National Disaster Risk Management Office has advised people living in low-lying areas to evacuate to safer locations. Tonga frequently experiences earthquakes due to its geographical position as a low-lying island group. The country has a population of just about 100,000 and lies in the seismically active "Ring of Fire" zone, which stretches across Southeast Asia and the Pacific Basin.

Meanwhile, just two days ago, a massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, causing severe destruction. Buildings collapsed like card houses due to the intense tremors, and more than 1,600 people have reportedly lost their lives. Rescue operations are still ongoing in Myanmar as authorities continue relief efforts.