Tonga hit by 6.6 magnitude earthquake as residents flee to higher ground

The Bureau of Meteorology said there are no tsumani warnings for Australia after the 157 kilometre deep quake occured just before 7am AEST on May 27.

The Tongan Government urged residents to "evacuate immediately inland, to high ground or to the third level of a steel or concrete building until the threat has passed".

"A strong earthquake has occurred near Tonga and felt in all of Tonga. A dangerous tsunami could occur in minutes," the Tongan Meteorological Service said.

Mariners were advised to move to deep ocean away from reefs and tsunami sirens were sounded on the island.

There have been no reports of death or destruction and the Tongan Meteorological Service said risks of tsunami has passed but advised caution in unusual waves and abnormal tides.

The epicentre of the quake was 70 kilometres north west of Fangale'ounga, Ha'apai on Foa Island, the United States Geological Survey said.