Tsunami warning after 7.1m earthquake hits near Tonga

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued an alert saying hazardous waves could be possible along coasts located within 300 kilometres of the epicentre.

No reports of damage were immediately available.

Tonga is a country in Polynesia made up of 171 islands with a population of a little more than 100,000 people, most of whom live on the main island of Tongatapu.

It is more than 3,500 kilometres off of Australia's east coast.