A 6.7 magnitude earthquake occurred off the lower South Island with no tsunami threat. Residents were advised to avoid coastal areas due to strong currents. There are no reports of significant damage as over 4,000 people felt the quake.
A 6.7 magnitude earthquake shook the lower South Island today at 2:43 PM, with its epicenter located 140 kilometers southwest of Tuatapere at a depth of 33 kilometers. Following the seismic event, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and GNS Science conducted a risk assessment for potential tsunamis, concluding that there was no expected threat to land.
As a precaution, NEMA advised that residents in Southland and Fiordland should avoid beach and marine areas due to the risk of strong and unusual currents. Over 4,000 individuals reported feeling the earthquake on GeoNet’s website, where it was classified as a moderate event. The quake was widely felt across various locations, including Invercargill, Gore, Te Anau, Cromwell, Queenstown, and Dunedin.
An Invercargill resident described the shaking as a significant event, stating it was a “good shake” that “made you sit up and take notice.” Minister for Emergency Management Mark Mitchell stated he was being informed about the situation and confirmed that an Emergency Mobile Alert had been issued for the region. He emphasized that evacuations were not necessary, but residents near the shoreline should exercise caution. The Southland District Council reported no immediate damage following the quake.
In summary, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the lower South Island, prompting assessments by NEMA and GNS Science, which confirmed no tsunami threat. Residents were warned to steer clear of coastal areas due to potential strong currents. Reports indicate negligible damage, and emergency officials continue to monitor the situation.
Original Source: www.1news.co.nz
