5.8-magnitude earthquake hits Tonga in Pacific

A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Polynesian kingdom of Tonga Sunday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake struck in the Pacific around 7:30 p.m. local time (3:30 a.m. EST), according to the USGS map. Its epicenter was located about 161 miles south-southeast of Onohua on the island of Eua. While most of the kingdom's 170 islands are uninhabited, Eua is known for its rainforests and tourism.

The tremors were detected just hours after a 7.8-magnitude quake rocked the northwestern tip of South America, killing 77 and injuring hundreds in Ecuador. Dozens more died in Japan after a 7-magnitude quake hit early Saturday.

While the earthquake raised concerns about a tsunami threat in Australia, but the continent's Bureau of Meteorology said there is no threat.

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