An intermediate to deep magnitude 5.2 earthquake was reported early afternoon near Nuku'alofa, Kolofo'ou, Tongatapu, Tonga.According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake hit on Thursday, February 26th, 2026, at 3:49 pm local time at an intermediate to considerable depth of 231.87 km. The strength of the earthquake may have been tempered by its relative great depth below the surface, which makes it feel weaker in absolute terms. The exact magnitude, epicenter, and depth of the quake might be revised within the next few hours or minutes as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies issue their report.Our monitoring service identified a second report from The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) which listed the quake at magnitude 5.2 as well. Other agencies reporting the same quake include the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) at magnitude 5.2, and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) at magnitude 4.9.Towns or cities near the epicenter where the quake might have been felt as very weak shaking include Kolovai (pop. 560) located 113 km from the epicenter, Nukunuku (pop. 2,100) 118 km away, Houma (pop. 1,900) 120 km away, Tofoa-Koloua (pop. 3,500) 126 km away, Ha'ateiho (pop. 2,600) 127 km away, Haveluloto (pop. 3,500) 127 km away, and Nuku'alofa (pop. 22,400) 128 km away.VolcanoDiscovery will automatically update magnitude and depth if these change and follow up if other significant news about the quake become available. If you’re in the area, please send us your experience through our reporting mechanism, either online or via our mobile app. This will help us provide more first-hand updates to anyone around the globe who wants to know more about this quake.Earthquake data: Date & time: Feb 26, 2026 03:49 pm (GMT +13) local time (26 Feb 2026 02:49 GMT)Magnitude: 5.2Depth: 231.87 kmEpicenter latitude / longitude: 20.63°S / 176.3°W (Tonga)Primary data source: USGS