Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake Strikes Tonga During Summit

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Tonga on August 26, 2024, while the Pacific Islands Forum was underway in Nuku'alofa, attended by high-profile delegates including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake, which occurred at a depth of 106 kilometers, did not trigger a tsunami warning, and there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. Some coastal businesses briefly evacuated as a precaution, but normal activities resumed quickly in the earthquake-prone region. The earthquake was part of the seismic activity associated with the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', known for frequent tectonic movements. Following the quake, two aftershocks measuring 6.1 and 5.3 occurred, but the event did not disrupt the forum's proceedings. The situation serves as a reminder of the resilience required in areas prone to natural disasters.