An urgent evacuation directive has been issued in New Zealand due to the potential threat of a tsunami following a strong earthquake.
The earthquake, measuring 6.3 in magnitude, was detected 40 km north of Te Anau on the South Island of New Zealand, as reported by the New Zealand Civil Defence.
Residents residing near the coast in specified areas have been advised to promptly move to higher ground or as far inland as possible to avoid tsunami evacuation zones, according to the government’s instructions.
The National Emergency Management Agency emphasized that the initial tsunami wave may not be the most significant, and the threat will persist for several hours until the warning is lifted.
In the event of a prolonged or intense earthquake that hinders standing or lasts over a minute, individuals in all other regions are urged to relocate immediately to high ground or inland, as outlined by the authorities. Staying at home is strongly discouraged.
Ongoing assessments of the situation will be conducted by the National Emergency Management Agency and ESNZ Science, with a threat map anticipated for all areas shortly.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake’s epicenter seems to be within Fiordland National Park, famous for its picturesque fjords and hiking trails.
The USGS registered the quake at 5.9 on the Moment magnitude scale, situated 42 km north-north-west of Te Anau at a depth of 76.397 km.
A vast coastal stretch of approximately 1340 miles on the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island is covered by the warning.
Initial tremors were reported at 9:14 pm local time on Wednesday, occurring at a depth of 53 km.
The quake’s epicenter, positioned 40 kilometers north of Te Anau, indicates that the west coast of the South Island, from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point, may face potential “land inundation.”
Citizens have been instructed to evacuate to elevated areas and utilize walking, running, or cycling to minimize traffic congestion risks.
People are advised not to return until receiving an official clearance message from Civil Defence.
A cautionary message from New Zealand Civil Defence states: “A Tsunami Warning has been issued following the M6.3 earthquake near 40 km north of Te Anau. Land inundation is likely in specific areas, requiring immediate evacuation to higher ground.”
The West Coast of the South Island from MILFORD SOUND to PUYSEGUR POINT is highlighted as a high-risk zone for potential tsunami impacts. Evacuation is crucial, even if the earthquake was not felt in some areas, due to the potential threat of a destructive tsunami.
