A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Sunday near Tonga, a nation of more than 170 islands in the South Pacific Ocean.

A powerful earthquake was reported in the Pacific Ocean early Monday morning local time, with officials saying there is a tsunami threat for areas near the epicenter.

A massive earthquake has hit near Tonga, prompting fears of a tsunami for the Pacific island country. The US Geological Survey said the 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit about 62 miles north-east of the main island in the early hours of Monday local time. Tonga's time zone is 13 hours ahead of the UK.