Huge 7.1 earthquake hits New Zealand amid warnings of 'hazardous tsunami waves'

16 March 2023 , 01:21

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The quake struck the Kermadec Islands region

An enormous earthquake measuring 7.1 magnitude struck near New Zealand sparking warnings over 'hazardous tsunami waves' in the region

The quake rocked the Kermadec Islands region which lies north of the country in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Experts warned early on Thursday that tsunami waves could affect coastal areas within 300km of the epicentre.

According to the US Geological Survey the earthquake was estimated to have been at a depth of 10 km and a tsunami warning was issued shortly after by the US Tsunami Warning System.

Officials went on to say there was no tsunami threat for the rest of New Zealand, Australia or the Philippines.

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The tsunami threat was later lifted altogether.

The Kermadec Islands lie northeast of Auckland (pictured) (Getty Images)

NZ Civil Defence said in a statement: "There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the M7.0 earthquake in the Southern Kermadec Islands.

"Remember, if an earthquake is long or strong, get gone."

Earlier the US Tsunami Warning System issued a warning that 'hazardous waves' were forecast to strike some coastal areas.

The quake struck early on Thursday

The alert had stated: “Tsunami waves reaching 0.3m to 1m above the tide level are possible for some coasts of Kermadec Islands.

“Tsunami waves are forecast to be less than 0.3m above the tide level for the coasts of Fiji, New Zealand and Tonga.”

The Kermadec Islands lie northeast of Auckland in New Zealand and measure about 13 square miles. The volcanic island group is frequently shaken by tremors.

William Walker