A destructive tsunami warning is issued to New Zealand after an earthquake of 7.8 magnitude struck off its South Island, according to the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The warning was issued for about 2 1/2 hours by the center after the earthquake hit. According to e-mailed alerts, the earthquake struck at 9:22 p.m. New Zealand(local) time and an advised of a possible threat was given to the residents of Auckland and Wellington. In the Pacific, no other countries were harmed or affected. An aftershock followed the actual earthquake after 19 minutes.

The center said, a tsunami had been generated by the temblor, indicated by the sea-level readings. According to the agency, the sea had risen almost 0.17 meter (6.7 inches) above normal surface at Jackson Bay.

The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said,

“When no major waves are observed for two hours after the estimated time of arrival or damaging waves have not occurred for at least two hours then local authorities can assume the threat is passed,”

The center also said,

“Danger to boats and coastal structures can continue for several hours due to rapid currents.”

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, On the South Island and at a depth of 35 kilometers, the temblor hit 150 kilometers (95 miles) west-northwest of Invercargill.

“Meridian Energy Ltd.’s Manapouri Power Station near the epicenter was operating normally after the earthquake”, Claire Shaw, company spokeswoman said.
She said, the staff members were looking for the damage.

New Zealand Tsunami Warning

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