7.1-magnitude offshore quake hits near Tonga

Sydney: A 7.1-magnitude quake struck offshore near the Pacific island nation of Tonga, the US Geological Survey said Sunday, with a tsunami warning issued.

An alert warned that hazardous waves could be possible for coasts located within 300 kilometers (185 miles) of the epicenter.

"Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within 300 kilometres (186 miles) of the epicentre along the coasts of Tonga," the US tsunami warning system said.