6.3-magnitude quake hits off Tonga: USGS

 SYDNEY, (AFP) - A 6.3-magnitude quake struck off the Pacific nation of Tonga late Friday, the US Geological Survey said, but there was no tsunami warning.

   The tremor hit at 11:07 pm local time (1107 GMT) 89 kilometres (55 miles) east-northeast of Hihifo, Tonga, and 235 kilometres southeast of the Samoan capital Apia, USGS said.

   The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said no tsunami warnings were in effect.

   Geoscience Australia measured the quake at 6.2 with a depth of 30 kilometres.

   Tonga sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a region of frequent seismic activity due to collisions between continental plates.