Magnitude 5.8 Earthquake Struck in Fiji-Tonga Region

A magnitude 5.8 earthquake occurred in the Fiji-Tonga region on January 17, 2024, at 16:50:01 local time (04:50:01 UTC) and a depth of 155 km (96 mi). The exact location was -21.65° LAT, -176.25° LON. The epicenter was located 690 km (428 mi) ESE of Suva, Fiji (pop. 77,300) and 109 km (67 mi) SW of Nuku‘alofa, Tonga (pop. 22,400).

Picture 1: Location of the magnitude 5.8 earthquake in the Fiji-Tonga region.

The earthquake occurred within a region with INCREASED seismic hazard exposure (yellow alert), which we highlighted on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, available here and as shown in the image below.

Picture 2: Picture from the post (published on January 16) forecasting increased earthquake-triggering in the Fiji-Tonga region.

The earthquake also occurred on one of the D-waves we highlighted on January 16, 2024, as shown in the image below and here.

Picture 3: Regions exposed to higher earthquake-triggering based on the D-wave, posted on January 16, 2024.

D-waves (D stands for Dangerous) are potentially dangerous tectonic waves due to the elevated seismic activity along these waves, including major seismic event and their contribution to the elevation of tectonic tractions (shear- and dynamic traction) in multiple regions worldwide.

There have been no reports of damage, injuries, or casualties as a result of the earthquake so far. Also, no tsunami warning was issued.

* The exact information about the magnitude, epicenter, and depth of the earthquake might be revised within the next few hours as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other data providers issue their reports.

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