A strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off New Zealand’s South Island on Tuesday, sending tremors across the region and prompting authorities to assess potential tsunami threats. The quake, which was felt by thousands, caused buildings to sway and household items to tumble, leaving many residents shaken.
Residents Warned to Stay Away from Coastal Areas
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), residents in the Southland and Fiordland regions have been advised to stay away from beaches and marine areas. The agency warned that strong and unpredictable ocean currents could pose a significant danger.
Seismic monitor GeoNet reported that more than 4,700 people felt the quake, with local media sharing firsthand accounts of the experience.
“We had things fall off the shelf. The outdoor wooden table was literally dancing,” a resident wrote on Facebook, as reported by the New Zealand Herald.
Earthquake Details: Depth and Epicenter
GeoNet recorded the earthquake at a depth of 33 km (21 miles), with the epicenter located approximately 160 km northwest of Snares Islands, one of New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands.
Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially measured the quake at magnitude 7.0, but later revised it to 6.7, placing its depth at just 10 km (6 miles). Shallow earthquakes like this tend to be more intense and widely felt.
No Tsunami Threat for New Zealand and Australia
While the earthquake was powerful, Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that there is no tsunami threat to Australia, its islands, or surrounding territories. However, New Zealand officials continue to monitor the situation for any unexpected developments.
New Zealand’s Location in the “Ring of Fire”
New Zealand is no stranger to seismic activity, as it sits on the “Ring of Fire,” a 40,000 km-long zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This arc of geological instability encircles much of the Pacific Ocean, affecting countries like Japan, Indonesia, and the west coasts of North and South America.
Given its location, New Zealand experiences numerous tremors throughout the year, but Tuesday’s earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to major seismic events.
