New Delhi: The earth shook in New Zealand on Thursday evening. A tsunami warning was initially issued after a strong earthquake near Te Anau, South Island, but was later changed to an advisory. At present there is no news of major damage.
When and where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake occurred on Thursday evening. Its center was about 40 kilometers north of the city of Te Anau. Te Anau is the main gateway to Fiordland National Park and is very popular with tourists.
The U.S. Geological Survey USGS and the German Research Center for Geosciences both measured the earthquake’s magnitude at 5.9. The earthquake occurred at a depth of more than 50 kilometers from the ground.
New Zealand’s earthquake monitoring agency GeoNet received more than 20,000 reports from people who felt the earthquake. The main shock was followed by 7 smaller aftershocks around Te Anau.
First tsunami warning, then advisory
The tremors were so strong that they were felt everywhere in the lower South Island. In view of this, New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency NEMA took immediate action. A tsunami warning was initially issued for the western coast extending from Milford Sound to Puisegur Point.
The agency asked people in coastal areas to immediately move to higher ground or move inland away from the sea. But NEMA later downgraded the warning after data review. Due to the intensity being 5.9 and depth being high, there was no danger of a major tsunami. to warn "tsunami advisory" Was changed to.
How is the situation now?
NEMA clarified that there is no possibility of flooding in coastal areas now. People do not need to evacuate their homes until any new instructions come from the local civil defense.
However, the agency warned that the west coast of the South Island from Milford Sound to Puisegur Point could be hit by strong ocean currents and unusual waves over the next few hours. Fishermen and people visiting the coast have been asked to exercise caution.
New Zealand falls in a very active zone in terms of earthquakes. Due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, earthquakes occur here from time to time. At present the administration is keeping an eye on the situation.
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