New Delhi, March 24 -- A strong 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near the Tonga islands, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said on Tuesday.

The quake took place 153 km west of the town of Neiafu in Vava'u, Tonga, at around 4.30 am UTC, the USGS said.

The quake was at a depth of 237.5 km.

(This is a developing story. Check back for updates)

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from MINT....