A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.5 struck New Zealand early on Tuesday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres off the West Coast of South Island. The NCS shared details on X, confirming the exact time and location of the tremor.
New Zealand's Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell, provided updates. He warned of potential danger near the shoreline. He urged people to stay away from beaches and water bodies.
Mitchell said an emergency mobile alert was issued for the southern part of the island. He highlighted the risk of strong and unusual currents.
"An Emergency Mobile Alert has been issued for the bottom of the South Island. Evacuations are NOT required, but there is potential danger near the shoreline. We ask people to stay away from the beach and water. Strong and unusual currents may be experienced," he stated on X.
The National Emergency Management Agency of New Zealand (NEMA) issued a national advisory on tsunami activity. It warned of unpredictable surges along the coast following the earthquake.
The advisory stated that the West Coast of the South Island, from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point, was at risk.
NEMA advised swimmers, surfers, fishers, and anyone near the sea to leave the water. It asked people to stay away from beaches, harbours, marinas, rivers, and estuaries.
"People on boats, live-aboards, and at marinas should leave their vessels and move onto shore. Do not return to boats unless instructed by officials," NEMA said.
The agency stressed there was no immediate need for evacuation. However, it warned that "strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges will continue for several hours. The threat must be regarded as real until this advisory is cancelled."
The advisory was issued after an assessment of all available information. NEMA urged residents to listen to the radio or TV for updates.
It also directed people to check www.civildefence.govt.nz for further details.
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