A magnitude 6.7 earthquake off the coast of New Zealand’s South Island has sparked a tsunami assessment.
The earthquake struck at 2.42pm on Tuesday at a depth of 33km about 160km northwest of Snares Islands, and was felt by thousands in its vicinity.
NZ’s National Emergency Management Agency warned residents of nearby regions should stay clear of beaches.
‘Residents of Southland and Fiordland should stay away from beach and marine areas as strong and unusual currents may present a danger,’ a statement on their website read.
‘Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore,’ an update read at 4pm.
‘People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.’
The risk of dangerous and unusual currents is expected to diminish after 8pm local time.
There is no official evacuation warning for the area, but NEMA is advising residents to self-evacuate in the case of ‘immediately from all places near the coast where the earthquake was felt either for longer than a minute OR was strong enough that it was hard to stand’.
‘In these areas a tsunami may have been generated and may arrive quickly, so evacuate immediately to the nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible.’
Government seismic monitor Geonet said more than 4,700 people would have felt the earthquake.
Local media published reports of furniture falling and buildings swaying near to the earthquake zone.
Bureau of Meteorology advised there is currently no tsunami threat to Australia following the earthquake.
More to come.
