A powerful 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of New Zealand on Tuesday, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami advisory for parts of the nation’s coastline.
The quake, which hit at 2:43 p.m. local time, had its epicenter about 160 kilometers (99 miles) northwest of the Snares Islands, south of New Zealand’s South Island, at a depth of 33 kilometers (20.5 miles), according to seismologists.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) issued a tsunami activity advisory for the west coast of the South Island, spanning from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point. Authorities cautioned that strong and erratic currents, along with unpredictable coastal surges, could pose hazards. Residents and visitors were urged to leave the water, avoid beaches, and stay clear of harbors, rivers, and estuaries.
While evacuations were not mandated, officials advised boaters to return to shore and avoid marinas unless otherwise directed. No significant coastal flooding is expected.
“Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges will persist for several hours. The threat should be taken seriously until the advisory is lifted,” NEMA stated.
GeoNet classified the earthquake’s shaking intensity as moderate. Nearly 5,000 people across New Zealand, including those as far north as Auckland, reported feeling the tremor.
So far, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
New Zealand is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Tuesday’s earthquake was the most powerful to strike the region since the 7.8 magnitude Dusky Sound earthquake in July 2009, according to seismologist and earthquake historian Jamie Gurney.
“In this vicinity, significant earthquakes have occurred in the past, including a magnitude 7.4 event in September 1945 and a magnitude 7.3 quake in October 1979. Both originated on faults within the Pacific Plate rather than on the nearby Puysegur subduction zone,” Gurney explained.
New Zealand has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past. In 2011, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Christchurch, killing 185 people and causing widespread destruction. That event was considered an aftershock of the larger 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Canterbury in September 2010, resulting in two fatalities and hundreds of injuries.
