Massive 7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes off the coast of New Zealand and sparks fears of a tsunami

[SirLinksALot]

SOURCE: DAILY MAIL

URL: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3769533/Massive-7-1-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-coast-New-Zealand-sparks-fears-tsunami.html?ITO=1490

By Sam Tonkin


A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of New Zealand – sparking fears of a potential tsunami threat.

The quake was estimated at a depth of around 18 miles off the country's north island, 352 miles northeast of Wellington, the US Geological Survey said.

There were no immediate reports of causalities.

No Pacific-wide tsunami warning has been issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, but officials in New Zealand said there was a 'potential threat'.

A 'very small' tsunami has already hit the country's northern coast, according to USGS geophysicist John Bellini.

Radio New Zealand reported residents in coastal areas near the East Cape district were advised by the local civil defence to evacuate.

New Zealand is on the boundary of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates, which form part of the so-called 'Ring of Fire', and experiences up to 15,000 tremors a year.

In a series of tweets, New Zealand’s Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management warned people to stay out of the water.

It said: 'There is a potential tsunami threat for New Zealand following the 7m earthquake near Te Araroa at 4.38NZ time today.'

The quake happened just after 5.30pm British time.

[SirLinksALot]

Massive: A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of New Zealand. The quake was estimated at a depth of around 18 miles off the country's north island (pictured)