A HUGE 6.2 magnitude earthquake has hit Tonga just weeks after a volcanic eruption and tsunami that killed a British animal charity worker.

       The quake, which was at a depth of 9 miles, struck about 136.1 miles northwest of the village of Pangai in the Ha'apai islands.

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       The earthquake struck 136.1 miles northwest of Pangai 11

       Damaged buildings following volcanic eruption and tsunami in Nomuka, Tonga, January 17 Credit: Reuters 11

       Locals are clean debris after the volcanic eruption and tsunami, in Nuku'alofa Credit: Reuters 11

       Pictures showing parts of Tonga before and after the first eruption and tsunami Credit: EPA 11

       The extent of the devastation is slowly beginning to emerge Credit: EPA

       The group of islands is located between the main island of Tongatapu in the south and the Vava'u island group in the north.

       Angela Glover, 50, died trying to save her dogs after an undersea volcano erupted near the Pacific island earlier this month.

       Satellite photographs show once lush green parts of Tonga turned brown and houses flattened.

       Meanwhile, the National Weather Service Pago Pago tweeted that based on available data there is currently not a tsunami threat to American Samoa from the earthquake.

       According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) there is a low chance of shaking-related fatalities and economic losses.

       There is also a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

       There were no immediate reports of the quake being felt in Tonga or neighbouring Fiji.

       The area has seen daily earthquake activity since Tonga's Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai erupted earlier this month.

       The latest 5.0 earthquake, was reportedly 26 miles northwest of Nuku‘alofa.

       The UK said yesterday the HMS Spey arrived in Nuku’alofa with 30,000 liters of bottled water, medical supplies basic sanitation, and baby products.

       Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said: "Responding to humanitarian crises across the globe is a core part our of Armed Forces’ daily business.

       "The crew and company of HMS Spey have demonstrated that this week by delivering this vital aid.

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       "The UK is a long-standing partner of the Pacific Islands and having the ship deployed in the Indo-Pacific meant that we could be there for Tonga in their hour of need, as the Island begins to rebuild their homes and communities."

       The Australian government said its ship had completed the 2,050-mile voyage from Brisbane.

       It said in a statement: “We appreciate the decision of the government of Tonga to enable HMAS Adelaide to dock and offload the humanitarian and medical supplies, and the high priority it has placed on COVID safety throughout the recovery process.

       “The ship is undertaking an entirely contactless delivery of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies.”

       DEVASTATION

       Other before and after images show the island of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai has completely disappeared following the volcanic eruption.

       The main island Tongatapu has been heavily affected, with water damage being visible to the northern and southern sides.

       The government of Tonga described the nation as suffering an "unprecedented disaster".

       New Zealand air force images also show areas blanketed with ash and damaged buildings.

       Tongan diplomat Curtis Tu'ihalangingie described the damage as "alarming" and said he feared more deaths.

       "Possibly there will be more deaths and we just pray that is not the case," he said.

       Video has also emerged showing the powerful tsunami waves washing ashore, tearing down fences as people flee for their lives.

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       According to the Tonga government around 50 people live on Mango and so far 65-year-old woman living there has been confirmed dead.

       The volcano which last erupted in 2014, has also caused damage to the islands of Uoleva and Nomuka.

       Early data suggests the eruption was the biggest since Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines 30 years ago, New Zealand-based volcanologist Shane Cronin told Radio New Zealand.

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       An Australian Defence Force aircraft unloading supplies at Fua'amotu International Airport Credit: AP 11

       Brit charity worker Angela Glover was confirmed dead 11

       A satellite image taken in April 2020 and an image taken after the volcano eruption shows the area covered in volcanic ash Credit: UNOSAT 11

       The volcano last erupted in 2014 Credit: UNOSAT

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       Dramatic official aerial maps showed the eruption cloud over Tonga Credit: Tonga Meteorological Services, Government of Tonga 11

       Smoking Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano on Jan 7

       Brother of British woman killed in Tonga tsunami, Angela Glover, pays tribute to sister as tragic death confirmed