Earthquakes in Tonga — October 2026
2 earthquakes were recorded in Tonga during October 2026, an average of 0.1 per day.
2 reached magnitude 4 or above and 0 reached magnitude 5 or above. The average focal depth was 128 km.
The month's largest event in Tonga was a magnitude 4.9 earthquake near Neiafu, Tonga on 01 October 2026 at 08:45 UTC. A magnitude 4.9 earthquake radiates roughly 338 tons of TNT equivalent in seismic energy.
That is below the Tonga monthly average of 18 events over the period we cover — a comparatively quiet month, and down from the 19 recorded the previous month.
50% of events here are shallow (under 70 km), 50% intermediate (70–300 km) and 0% deep-focus (over 300 km). A substantial share of intermediate-depth events points to a subducting slab beneath the region rather than purely crustal faulting.
By band, the catalogue holds 2 in the magnitude 4 range.
Activity peaked on 01 October, when 2 events were recorded.
The month's largest events were M4.9 near Neiafu, Tonga on 01 October at 10 km; M4.2 near Houma, Tonga on 01 October at 247 km.
That is 89% below the 18 events Tonga averages per month across the 23 months on record.
Largest earthquakes in Tonga, October 2026
2 events listed below, newest first. Times are UTC. Click any column header to re-sort.
| Time (UTC) | Mag | Location | Depth (km) | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.9 | Neiafu, Tonga | 10.0 | Tonga | View details View | |
| 4.2 | Houma, Tonga | 247.0 | Tonga | View details View |
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes hit Tonga in October 2026?
2 earthquakes were recorded in Tonga during October 2026, of which 2 were magnitude 4 or above.
What was the biggest earthquake in Tonga in October 2026?
A magnitude 4.9 event near Neiafu, Tonga on 01 October 2026.
Other months in Tonga
Magnitudes for October 2026 reflect the current USGS review status and may have been revised since first publication. See our guides on the magnitude scale, focal depth and why earthquakes cluster.