6.9-magnitude Earthquake in the Pacific Ocean

Seismologists report a significant 6.9-magnitude earthquake in the Pacific Ocean near Tonga. There were no immediate indications of significant damage, and no tsunami warnings were issued.

The earthquake occurred on Monday, the first day of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga, at approximately 12:12 p.m.

According to computer projections, up to 107,000 individuals could have felt Monday's earthquake, with 6,000 potentially experiencing "very strong" shaking, according to the USGS. Another 98,000 may have experienced "strong" shaking.

"Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stated in a warning.

Tonga is located on the so-called 'Pacific Ring of Fire,' an arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to earthquakes.