A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck off the east of New Zealand's North Island, pro,mpting a tsunami warning. The epicentre of the earthquake was located 238 km away from Gisborne at a depth of 10 km.
Authorities advised people in coastal areas to evacuate and move to high ground.
We are assessing whether the M7.3 EAST OF THE NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND earthquake at 2021-03-05 2:27 AM has created a tsunami that could affect New Zealand. We will provide an update as soon as the initial assessment has been completed.
— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) March 4, 2021
Tsunami waves were possible within 300 km of the quake's epicentre, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.
Later, the PTWC withdrew the tsunami warning, although asked residents to stay alert.
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Hours later, another earthquake of magnitude 7.2 struck the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). According to the centre, the quake was at a depth of 10 km.
A new #tsunami warning via @NWS_PTWC from a fresh M7.5 #quake off #NewZealand. pic.twitter.com/RKy3DkBal0
— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) March 4, 2021
No immediate information on possible casualties or specific damage has been reported.
According to GeoNet, more than 60,000 people reported feeling the first earthquake. About 300 people called the tremor "severe", while around 80 described it as "extreme".
New Zealand is located in a seismically active zone known as the Ring of Fire and regularly suffers from powerful earthquakes.
