The powerful earthquake was the third to hit the area early Friday morning, according to the New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency.
The east coast of the North Island, from the Bay of Islands to Whangarei, from Matata to the Bay of Tolaga, including Whakatane and Opotiki and the Great Barrier Island, are included in the tsunami alert.
“The earthquake may not have been felt in some of these areas, but evacuation must be immediate, as a damaging tsunami is possible,” says the agency’s statement.
“People in all other areas who have experienced a long or strong earthquake that makes it difficult to stand, or lasted more than a minute, should immediately move to the nearest elevated terrain, outside of all tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible. “
The statement adds that the evacuation notice overrides Covid-19’s warnings.
This is a developing story. More to come.