A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit near Tonga, prompting an initial tsunami warning that was later lifted for the Pacific island country.

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit near Tonga early Monday morning, causing slight damage and brief evacuations before the threat of a tsunami hitting the Pacific island country passed.Tsunami sirens could be heard after the 1:18 a.

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Tonga early Monday. The island nation felt six aftershocks but did not immediately report damage.