Residents in coastal areas of New Zealand have been urgently advised to evacuate the water and vacate beaches following a powerful earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale, which struck off the coast of the South Island. The earthquake occurred on Tuesday and was detected at a depth of 33 kilometers (approximately 21 miles), roughly 160 kilometers (about 99 miles) northwest of the Snares Islands, the northernmost of New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands.
In light of the seismic event, the National Emergency Management Agency has issued warnings specifically for residents in the Southland and Fiordland regions. They are urged to avoid marine environments due to the potential for strong and unpredictable ocean currents that could pose significant risks to safety.
The agency also emphasized the importance of safety for those on the water, stating, “People on boats, live-aboards, and at marinas should leave their vessels immediately and proceed to shore. It is crucial not to return to boats until authorities provide explicit instructions to do so”.
Geonet, New Zealand’s government seismic monitor, reported that more than 4,700 individuals felt the tremors of the quake. Eyewitness accounts from local media described unsettling scenes as items fell from shelves and buildings swayed, underscoring the earthquake’s intensity and impact.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to respond as needed to ensure the safety of the community amid the aftershocks and potential maritime hazards that may follow.
