WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – New Zealand officials issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas after a powerful shallow earthquake struck its northeast coast on Thursday night. There were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties.
New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency warned of a tsunami threat along the country’s North Island after the 7.3 magnitude earthquake.
The US Tsunami Warning System predicted waves of 0.3 to 1 meter (1 to 3.3 feet), but later said the threat had passed.
The US Geological Survey said the earthquake was centered at a depth of 20.8 kilometers (13 miles) under the ocean, about 174 kilometers (108 miles) northeast of the city of Gisborne. Residents of Gisborne reported mild to moderate tremors.
A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the city of Christchurch in 2011, killing 185 people and destroying much of the city center.