The Tonga Trench is one of the fastest-converging and most seismically active subduction zones on Earth. This page pulls real records for Tonga: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Tonga.
Check Tonga hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk near Tonga - or search any city or region.
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Earthquake risk in Tonga - FAQ
Is Tonga at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 505 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 389 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data. The strongest earthquake on record nearby is M8.1 in 1919.
What was the biggest earthquake in Tonga?
The strongest earthquake on record near Tonga is M8.1, in 1919 (1919 Tonga Earthquake), from USGS.
Does Tonga get tsunamis?
Yes - 19 tsunamis since 1853 (most recently 2025) within 389 km, from the NOAA database. The deadliest killed around 6 people.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Tonga?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.