Magnitude 6.7 Earthquake Strikes Off New Zealand’s South Island Triggering Fears of a Possible Tsunami

A powerful 6.7 magnitude earthquake off the coast of New Zealand’s South Island has triggered concerns about a possible tsunami.

As experts continue to assess the situation, many locals are on edge, particularly as unusual and strong currents have been reported in the affected areas.

The Details of the Earthquake

The earthquake struck at 2:42 PM local time on Tuesday, hitting at a depth of 12 kilometers about 160 kilometers northwest of the Snares Islands.

The tremor was felt by thousands of people, particularly in areas near the epicenter.

According to New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), there was a warning issued for residents in nearby regions to avoid beaches due to the potential for dangerous ocean conditions.

Safety Warnings and Evacuation Advice

NEMA issued a public alert advising residents of Southland and Fiordland to stay clear of beaches and marine areas.

They warned that strong and unusual currents could pose significant dangers to anyone near the water.

The agency specifically mentioned that swimmers, surfers, and anyone fishing could be at risk of injury or drowning.

“At 4 PM local time, they further updated the public, saying anyone in or near the sea should leave the water, avoid beaches, marinas, harbors, and estuaries, and move to higher ground,” NEMA stated.

While no formal evacuation order was issued, the agency encouraged self-evacuation for those who felt the earthquake strongly or for those who experienced shaking lasting longer than a minute.

The danger from strong currents and surges was expected to decrease after 8 PM local time.

However, experts warned that a tsunami could have been triggered by the quake, and people in affected coastal areas were urged to get to higher ground immediately.

Initial Impact and Local Reports

According to government seismic monitor Geonet, over 4,700 people were affected by the tremor.

Local media reported widespread reactions to the quake, including furniture falling off shelves and buildings swaying.

One local resident posted on social media, describing how their outdoor wooden table “danced” from the force of the tremor.

Interestingly, a coastal sea-level gauge in southwest Fiordland, located at the southern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, recorded a 10cm tsunami following the earthquake.

The surge lasted for about 90 minutes after the initial shock.

Despite these signs, the Bureau of Meteorology assured the public that there was currently no tsunami threat to Australia from the earthquake.

A Mysterious Area with Many Unknowns

The earthquake struck near the tectonic boundary between the Australian and Pacific plates, in an area known as the Puysegur Trench.

Seismologists say this region is poorly understood, with comparatively little research done compared to other seismic hotspots.

“This area is actually very poorly understood,” said Dr. Finn Illsley-Kemp, a seismologist, in an interview with the New Zealand Herald.

“There’s been far less research here compared to other regions, leaving many unknowns about the exact tectonics — but it’s hosted some of our biggest earthquakes.”

Continuing Monitoring and Updates

Experts continue to monitor the situation as they assess the full impact of the earthquake.

While the immediate risk of a large tsunami seems to have subsided, residents are advised to stay alert and follow any further updates from NEMA and local authorities.