Earthquake shakes New Zealand, tsunami warning issued

NEW ZEALAND (KLKN) — Areas across New Zealand’s north island are under a tsunami warning after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake shook its coast, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported the quake around 8 a.m. CDT this morning with evacuation happening thirty minutes later.

In a recent tweet, NEMA stated, “Evacuation advice overrides the current COVID-19 Alert Level requirements. Listen to local Civil Defence authorities and follow any instructions. If you are told to evacuate do not stay at home.”

TSUNAMI WARNING: The first waves may have reached NZ in the areas around East Cape at approximately 3:34am. Tsunami activity will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this warning is cancelled. More info at https://t.co/ccVFYR8001

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

No reports of injuries or damages have been made at this time.