An urgent evacuation directive has been issued in New Zealand due to a potential tsunami threat triggered by a strong earthquake. The seismic event, measuring 6.3 magnitude, struck 40 km north of Te Anau on the South Island, as confirmed by the New Zealand Civil Defence.
Residents along the coast in specified areas have been instructed to promptly relocate to higher ground or as far inland as possible to avoid tsunami-prone zones, as advised by the government authorities. The National Emergency Management Agency has cautioned that subsequent waves could be more substantial, emphasizing that the tsunami risk remains active until the official warning is rescinded.
Individuals in regions feeling intense or prolonged tremors are also urged to move to elevated locations immediately. The situation is being continuously evaluated by the National Emergency Management Agency and ESNZ Science, with hazard assessments and maps to be promptly disseminated.
According to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s epicenter was identified on land within the Fiordland National Park, a renowned tourist spot known for its stunning fjords and hiking trails. The USGS recorded the earthquake at 5.9 on the Moment magnitude scale, with a depth of 76.397 km.
A vast coastal stretch of approximately 1340 miles on the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island falls under the warning zone. The initial tremor was reported at 9:14 pm local time, on Wednesday night, at a depth of 53 km.
The quake’s epicenter, located 40 kilometers north of Te Anau, poses a threat of “land inundation” to the west coast of the South Island from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point. Citizens have been advised to evacuate to higher ground promptly, using alternative means of transportation to avoid potential traffic congestion.
Furthermore, individuals are instructed not to return to at-risk areas until receiving an official clearance from Civil Defence. The public has been notified of the Tsunami Warning issued following the M6.3 earthquake near Te Anau, stressing the likelihood of land inundation in specified regions along the West Coast of the South Island.
Although the quake may not have been felt in all affected areas, immediate evacuation is crucial due to the potential threat of a destructive tsunami.