M7.1 earthquake jolts New Zealand, several aftershocks
Digital Reporter
Thursday, September 1, 2016, 2:24 PM - A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck off the coast of New Zealand's North Island early Friday waking many residents up.
Civil Defence has issued a potential tsunami threat, Radio New Zealand reports. However, scientific advisors are still assessing the severity. As a result, residents living in the Tologa Bay area have been asked to leave their homes as a precaution.
The quake hit about 160 km northeast of Gisborne at 4:37 a.m. local time with a 19 kilometre depth, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
An emergency management centre has been activated, says Radio New Zealand.
FALL IS HERE: After a hot, hot summer what can Canadians expect from fall? Find out on The Weather Network’s Fall Forecast. Premiering September 12, 2016, at 9PM ET #FallForecast
There is a potential tsunami threat for New Zealand following the 7m earthquake near Te Araroa at 4.38NZ time today. #eqnz
— MCDEM (@NZcivildefence) September 1, 2016
According to USGS, several aftershocks occurred just minutes after, all measuring between magnitude 5.3 and 5.7.
Still feeling aftershocks way up in the Waitakere Ranges in Auckland. #eqnz #earthquake
— Simon Smith (@WordSmithNZ) September 1, 2016
Long and deep shaking in Whakatane, but everyone seems to be fine. #eqnz
— Arctosia (@Arctosia) September 1, 2016
There have been no immediate reports of injury or damage.
Check back for updates as we continue to monitor this developing story.
