The National Disaster Office in Tonga says some schools and, for a short time, some businesses closed this morning in response to a Pacific tsunami warning following a strong earthquake off the Kermadec Islands.
The head of the office in Nukualofa, Leveni Aho, says many people headed home as warnings came through to avoid costal areas.
He says news has come through of the tsunami warning being called off.
"Tthe urgency is likely over at this stage. Because it's affecting a lot of other activities in the islands as well. The schools have been closed and a lot of businesses closed as well."
Leveni Aho says the ferries are operating and there have been no significant reports of unusal waves.
