Wellington, Nov 11 (AP) A powerful underwater earthquake struck on Friday off Tonga in the southern Pacific, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami advisory.

The US Geological Survey said the magnitude 7.3 quake was centered 211 kilometers (132 miles) east-southeast of Neiafu, Tonga, at a depth of 24.8 kilometers (15 miles).

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It predicted strong shaking but said the probability of serious damage or casualties was small.

The US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami advisory, which is one step below a tsunami warning.

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An undersea volcano erupted in Tonga in January, killing three people, blanketing its main island with a thick layer of volcanic ash and shooting millions of tons of water vapor high up into the atmosphere. (AP)

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