update
The earthquake was 72km from Pangai.
Photo: USGS / Screenshot
A magnitude 6.9 earthquake has struck the Tonga region, the US Geological Survey is reporting.
The quake hit about 12:30pm local time.
The USGS reports the epicentre was 72km west of Pangai at a depth of 106km.
The US Tsunami Warning System says no tsunami was expected, Reuters reports.
The quake was initially reported as a magnitude 6.6 but later upgraded.
– RNZ / Reuters