The quake hit 345 kilometres northeast of the capital Nuku'alofa at a depth of 10 kilometres.
The USGS PAGER (Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response) issued a green alert level projecting a very low risk of casualties or economic losses.
The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said there was no threat of a tsunami after the quake, which was followed by a 5.4-magnitude aftershock.
Tonga, almost 2,000 kilometres northeast of New Zealand, lies on the so-called "Ring of Fire", where continental plates collide causing frequent seismic activity.
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