New Zealand: Strong earthquakes recorded – coastal evacuation after tsunami warning

There were several violent earthquakes off the coast of New Zealand. Three severe earthquakes were recorded, on Friday morning (local time). One of them had a force of 8. The New Zealand government ordered the evacuation of the coastal areas. The National Civil Protection Agency said North Island residents who live near the coast are encouraged to exit the danger zone immediately. The authorities warned, “Don’t stay at home.”

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in the US state of Hawaii warned of possible tsunamis in Hawaii, New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, the Cook Islands and Fiji Islands.

In New Zealand, after the earthquake, there was no initial information about potential damage or casualties. The two most recent morning earthquakes were recorded around the Kermadec Islands. These belong to New Zealand, but are hundreds of kilometers off the coast. New Zealand has a population of just under five million people.

There was actually a violent 7.1 magnitude earthquake that night. The center was in the sea east of the North Island. Traumas have been reported across the region, including in major cities such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Less than two hours after the tremors, 60,000 people have already visited the local area GeoNet monitoring system The newspaper reported that they felt the earthquake The New Zealand Herald.

According to GeoNet information, the earthquake occurred about 100 kilometers off the coast of the Gisborne region at a depth of 90 kilometers. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern wrote: “I hope everyone is well.” Instagram“Especially those on the east coast who must have felt the full force of the earthquake.”

Again and again violent earthquakes in New Zealand

Just three weeks ago, the New Zealand authorities had prepared themselves for a possible tsunami, but quickly gave it all. At that time, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific Ocean about 415 kilometers east of New Caledonia. There were no reports of injuries or serious damage.