WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – New Zealand officials issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas after a strong, shallow earthquake hit the northeast coast on Thursday night. There were no immediate reports of serious injuries or casualties.
The New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency has warned of a tsunami threat along the east of the country’s North Island following a magnitude 7.3 earthquake.
The US tsunami warning system predicted waves of 0.3 to 1 meter (1-3.3 feet), but later said the threat had passed.
The US geological study said the quake was centered at a depth of 20.8 kilometers (13 miles) under the ocean, about 174 kilometers (108 miles) northeast of Gisborne. Gisborne residents have reported mild to moderate shaking, he said.
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck the city of Christchurch in 2011, killing 185 people and destroying much of its center.