New Zealand residents were allowed to return to their homes after a series of multi-hour earthquakes that triggered tsunami alerts, according to reports.
Three earthquakes hit the Pacific region in a 6-hour period on Friday, with the last earthquake recording 8.1 magnitude – one of the region’s most powerful earthquakes in modern history.
GREAT BARRIER ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND: Residents wait in higher ground after a tsunami warning on March 5, 2021 on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. A series of low-lying coastal areas were evacuated across New Zealand after a series of earthquakes this morning. Although the threat level has been lowered, wave waves are still expected along coastal areas, with New Zealanders being warned to stay off the beaches. (Photo by Bridget Cameron)
Authorities issued warnings for coastal areas after the first earthquake – registering a magnitude of 7.3 – originating about 100 miles from the islands.
“We expect New Zealand’s coastal areas to experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable waves off the coast,” tweeted the New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency.
The earthquakes created waves 3 to 10 feet high and forced authorities to issue tsunami alerts in several countries in the Pacific.
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The strongest earthquake originated some 620 miles northeast of New Zealand.
Even Hawaii saw a 2 and a half hour tsunami warning, Hawaii News Now reported.
GREAT BARRIER ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND: Residents wait in higher ground after a tsunami warning on March 5, 2021 on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. A series of low-lying coastal areas were evacuated across New Zealand after a series of earthquakes this morning. Although the threat level has been lowered, wave waves are still expected along coastal areas, with New Zealanders being warned to stay off the beaches. (Photo by Bridget Cameron)
Despite the significant force of the earthquakes, no widespread injuries or deaths have been reported. New Zealand residents reported only traffic jams because people fled their homes to higher ground, as well as some structural damage.
A minor earthquake of magnitude 6.3 in 2011 killed 185 people on Christchurch’s southernmost island.
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Residents have been told they can return home, but have been warned to stay off the beaches, although officials say the bigger waves have passed, the BBC said.