A preliminary magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The earthquake occurred at significant depth, which contributed to authorities determining that no tsunami threat was present following the seismic event.

Tonga, an island nation in the South Pacific, sits along the seismically active Ring of Fire, where tectonic plate movements frequently generate earthquakes. The region has experienced numerous significant seismic events in recent years.

The USGS initially classified the earthquake as preliminary magnitude 7.6, though this measurement may be revised as additional data becomes available. Earthquakes of this magnitude are considered major events capable of causing serious damage in populated areas, though the impact depends heavily on factors such as depth and proximity to inhabited regions.

No immediate reports of damage or casualties were available following the earthquake. Tsunami warning centers monitor such events closely, as underwater earthquakes near Pacific island nations can potentially generate dangerous waves affecting coastal areas across the region.