Major quake hits Tongan islands
A major earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale was recorded off Tonga in the South Pacific early today.
New Zealand’s Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS) said the quake was centred 170km north-east of Nuku’alofa, at a depth of 38km beneath the surface at 0127 AEST.Other agencies reported it was as shallow as 16km.
It was felt in Auckland 3,700km away.
Tongan officials said they were checking outer islands in the group, particularly the low-lying Hapai Islands, which were near the epicentre.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a tsunami alert for Fiji and New Zealand after tide gauges in Pago Pago, Samoa and Niue showed a small rise in sea levels, but this was subsequently withdrawn.
There were few reports of injury or damage in Tonga, although a hotel guest hurt his leg when he jumped from a third-floor window.
“He was the only tourist injured. He jumped from his room, maybe he was afraid,” said William Vea, the night receptionist at the Pacific Royale Hotel.
Graham Muldoon
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps