Green earthquake (Magnitude 5.5M, Depth:254.575km) in Tonga 13/04/2026 02:15 UTC, 9 thousand in MMI III.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing - Tonga Earthquake

1) Summary On April 13, 2026, at 2:15 AM (UTC), a moderate magnitude 5.5 earthquake occurred in Tonga. With a very deep epicenter at 254km, surface shaking was limited, affecting approximately 9,000 people with MMI III (weak shaking) intensity. The severity is assessed as moderate.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Limited Pacific shipping route impact - Deep epicenter and moderate magnitude expected to cause minimal direct damage to port facilities or maritime transportation
• Potential temporary disruption of Tonga domestic logistics - Short-term transportation delays possible due to safety inspections of roads, airports, and other land infrastructure
• Regional agricultural and marine product supply disruption - Minor impact expected on production and shipment schedules of Tonga's major exports including vanilla, coconut products, and seafood
• Pacific island nation connectivity - Potential delays in regular cargo ship operations to neighboring island nations like Fiji and Samoa due to safety inspections

3) Watch points

• Aftershock activity - Need to monitor for aftershocks and potential magnitude escalation within the next 48-72 hours
• Infrastructure damage assessment - Track operational resumption status of Nuku'alofa International Airport and major ports
• Pacific Ring of Fire chain reaction - Observe signs of increased seismic activity in other regions within the Pacific Ring of Fire