NZ earthquake: Tsunami warning issued after powerful 7.1-mag quake
A 7.1-magnitude undersea earthquake struck the east coast of New Zealand's North Island and has sparked a tsunami warning across parts of the country.
The quake struck early Friday about 30 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface with the epicentre located 166 kilometres north-east of Gisborne, the US Geological Survey says.
More than 4000 people, from as far south as Christchurch and the West Coast, reported feeling it. Photo: USGS
Brigette Purcell from TV3 told Sunrise that earlier on Friday, the potential tsunami was 19cm, it has since reached 30cm and officials fear it could continue to rise and reach up to one metre.
More than 4000 people, from as far south as Christchurch and the West Coast, reported feeling it.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries or serious damage.
A large undersea earthquake off the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. Photo: Twitter/ Mitch Kinny.
The quake now has a depth of 159km and has since triggered a "very small" tsunami. Photo: USGS
The east coast of the North Island and the upper South Island are under a tsunami warning, the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management says on Twitter.
Those who are living along the Gisborne coastline have been advised to go to higher ground or as far inland as possible.
In 2011, an earthquake rocked Christchurch, New Zealand and killed 185 people.
