An alert for a possible tsunami has been issued for the tiny island nation of Tonga after an earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale occurred off the coast of the country.

The earthquake struck the ocean just before 11 o’clock at night. At a depth of 15.4 miles and at a distance of approximately 128 miles from the capital city of Tonga, Nukualofa, local time has passed.

In a news release that announced the tsunami warning, the Tongan government stated, “A significant earthquake has happened near Tonga and felt throughout the country of Tonga.” The earthquake happened out at sea just before 11 p.m. At a depth of 15.4 miles and around 128 miles away from the capital city of Tonga, Nuku’alofa, local time has passed.

In a news release that announced the tsunami warning, the Tongan government stated, “A significant earthquake has happened near Tonga and felt throughout the country of Tonga.”

You are advised to immediately evacuate immediately inland to high ground or to the third level of a steel or concrete building until the threat has passed. Mariners are advised to move to deep ocean away from reefs. A dangerous tsunami could occur in minutes. You are advised to evacuate immediately.