A strong 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit near Tonga, prompting an initial tsunami warning that was later lifted for the Pacific island country. The US Geological Survey said the quake hit about 62 miles north-east of the main island in the early morning hours of Monday local time.

Preliminary reports from the U.S. Tsunami Warning System said tsunami waves were possible for coastlines within about 190 miles of the earthquake’s epicenter, including those on Tonga. The system issued an all-clear notice about an hour later, after a tsunami would have struck had one materialized.

Tonga, located more than 3,500 kilometres (2,000 miles) off Australia's east coast, is a Polynesian country comprising 171 islands.

Myanmar's ostracised leader Min Aung Hlaing will leave his disaster-stricken country for a rare trip to a regional summit, as aid groups called for restrictions to be eased to reach quake survivors.

Myanmar's rulers say more than 2,700 people are confirmed dead

Temporary ceasefires announced by warring groups in Myanmar in the wake of last week’s devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake represent a rare de-escalation of a conflict that since 2021 has taken thousands of lives and uprooted more than 3 million people.

Conditions could get even tougher for the huge relief effort after weather officials warned unseasonal rain could threaten the areas hardest-hit by the quake, such as Mandalay, Sagaing and the capital Naypyidaw.

The ruling military junta in Myanmar say the death toll after last week's devastating earthquake now stands at almost 2,900 people. The actual death toll is feared to be much higher, with many people still stuck under the rubble in affected cities.

Temporary hospitals have been erected to treat victims as medical facilities are damaged and overwhelmed following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar.