A powerful earthquake was reported in the Pacific Ocean early Monday morning local time, with officials issuing tsunami alerts for areas closest to the epicenter.

A strong 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit near Tonga, prompting an initial tsunami warning that was later lifted for the Pacific island country. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake hit at a depth of 29 kilometers (18 miles) and was centered about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of the main island in the early morning hours of Monday local time.

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.