Powerful 7.3 Earthquake Hits Off New Zealand, Sparks Tsunami Warning

A powerful earthquake struck off New Zealand’s North Island at 2:27 a.m. local time on Friday, registering a preliminary magnitude of 7.3, according to United States Geological Survey (USGS). 

*7.3 MAG. EARTHQUAKE 238 KM ENE OF GISBORNE NEW ZEALAND :USGS

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) March 4, 2021

USGS warns “hazardous tsunami waves” are possible 300km (186 miles) from the epicenter. New warnings suggest tsunami waves could be at least 1 meter above tide. Here’s the approximate area where the quake struck.

“We are assessing whether the M7.3 EAST OF THE NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND earthquake at 2021-03-05 2:27 a.m. has created a tsunami that could affect New Zealand. We will provide an update as soon as the initial assessment has been completed,” New Zeland’s National Emergency Management Agency tweeted. 

We are assessing whether the M7.3 EAST OF THE NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND earthquake at 2021-03-05 2:27 AM has created a tsunami that could affect New Zealand. We will provide an update as soon as the initial assessment has been completed.

— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) March 4, 2021

National Emergency Management Agency now warns:

“Anyone near the coast who felt a LONG or STRONG quake should MOVE IMMEDIATELY to the nearest high ground, or as far inland as you can.”

Anyone near the coast who felt a LONG or STRONG quake should MOVE IMMEDIATELY to the nearest high ground, or as far inland as you can #EQNZ

— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) March 4, 2021

Here’s the full warning via National Emergency Management Agency: 

“This evacuation advice overrides the current COVID-19 Alert Level requirements. Do not stay at home if you are near the coast and felt the earthquake LONG or STRONG. Evacuate immediately to the nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones or as far inland as possible. Stay 2 metres away from others if you can and it is safe to do so.” 

National Emergency Management Agency issues tsunami warnings east of North Island New Zealand. It also says, “there is a LAND and MARINE TSUNAMI THREAT. An EMA will be issued to areas under land and marine tsunami threat.”
 

We have issued a TSUNAMI WARNING for New Zealand coastal areas following the magnitude 7.3 earthquake near EAST OF THE NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND. There is a LAND and MARINE TSUNAMI THREAT. An EMA will be issued to areas under land and marine tsunami threat.

— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) March 4, 2021

Twitter users are already reporting the quake: 

“By far the largest earthquake I’ve felt in Auckland, in the 22 years I’ve lived here,” one user said. 

Alleged video emerges on Twitter of potential building damage sustained during the quake. 

An #earthquake of magnitude 7.3 hit #Gisborne, New Zealand today at 06:57(IST). #NewZealand #Tsunami pic.twitter.com/1KugiZv5QR

— Nikhil Choudhary (@NikhilCh_) March 4, 2021

Another person tweeted: Bloody decent earthquake woke us all up, has been aftershocks and such, hopefully, everyone near the coasts are being careful with the tsunami warning…” 

*This story is developing…