Tsunami warning for Pacific Islands lifted after strong earthquake near Tonga

The tsunami warning that was activated after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit near Tonga this morning has been lifted.

The strong earthquake prompted an initial tsunami warning for the Pacific island country.

AP News says, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake hit at a depth of 29 kilometres and was centred about 100 kilometres northeast of the main island early this morning.

They say an hour later, a second 6.1 magnitude quake hit the same area.

AP News says the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii issued an alert following the first quake, saying hazardous waves could be possible but later said there was no longer a tsunami threat.

They add there were no reports of casualties and or structural damage.

[Source: AP News]