Thursday, March 28, 2024

7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Kermadec Islands, New Zealand; Tsunami Warning Issued

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Wellington: A 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit the Kermadec Islands region in New Zealand on Thursday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles). A tsunami warning was issued by the US Tsunami Warning System after the earthquake. However, the Bureau of Meteorology in Australia stated that there is no tsunami threat to Australia.

The National Emergency Management Agency in New Zealand also confirmed that there was no tsunami threat to the country following the earthquake. Despite the lack of a tsunami threat, authorities in New Zealand have advised residents to stay off the beaches and out of the water as there could be unpredictable currents.

New Zealand is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is a region with high volcanic and seismic activity. Earthquakes are relatively common in the country, with the most severe earthquake recorded in New Zealand being a magnitude 8.1 quake that occurred in 1931.

The Kermadec Islands are a volcanic island chain located approximately 800 km (500 miles) northeast of New Zealand’s North Island. They are a part of New Zealand’s territory and are uninhabited, with the exception of a permanent weather station.

According to the USGS, the earthquake that occurred on Thursday was one of the largest earthquakes to hit the Kermadec Islands region in recent years. The last time a similarly strong earthquake occurred in the area was in 2011, with a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hitting the region.

The earthquake on Thursday was felt across several parts of New Zealand, including the North Island and parts of the South Island. Residents reported feeling the ground shaking and buildings swaying, and some people in Wellington, the capital city, reported that the earthquake lasted for over a minute.

Following the earthquake, several New Zealanders took to social media to share their experiences. Many shared videos of shaking buildings, while others expressed concern for the safety of those living in the Kermadec Islands.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, took to Twitter to urge residents to stay safe following the earthquake. She wrote, “Hope everyone is ok out there – especially on the East Coast who would have felt the full force of that earthquake. Please keep safe everyone.”

In conclusion, the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit the Kermadec Islands region in New Zealand on Thursday was one of the largest earthquakes to occur in the area in recent years. Despite the tsunami warning that was issued, there was no tsunami threat to Australia or New Zealand. However, authorities in New Zealand have advised residents to stay off the beaches and out of the water due to unpredictable currents.

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