Powerful 7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts off New Zealand

Wellington — Residents in New Zealand North Island are urged to stay away from the water by Civil Defence following a 7.1-magnitude earthquake early Friday morning.

The quake, which occurred at 4:37 a.m. local time (1637 GMT Thursday), was centered 130 km northeast of Te Araroa in the North Island with a depth of 55 km, according to the government’s GeoNet monitoring service.

GeoNet recorded strong aftershocks, including a 6.0-magnitude quake.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management of New Zealand cancelled a tsunami marine and beach threat warning issued shortly after the quake. The Ministry said, although the greatest tsunami activity has passed, coasts areas may still experience unusual, strong currents and sea level fluctuations lasting for several more hours.

According to the Civil Defence, the greatest wave height has already occurred, further waves are anticipated to be up to 20cm. Flooding of land areas near the shore is not expected.

The only reports of damage are power outages in the Gisborne-East Cape region, that are expected to be quickly rectified. The tsunami threat has also seen trains across Auckland grind to a halt. After the train reopened, people have been advised there would be delays. (PNA/Xinhua) JMC/EBP