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A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near New Caledonia, triggering unpredictable storm surge warnings off New Zealand’s coastal areas.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warns swimmers, surfers, fishers, small boats, and anyone in or near water near some shores in the part top of the North Island.
The key coastal areas threatened are: Ahipara Bay to the Bay of Islands, the Great Barrier Reef Island and from Matata to Tolaga Bay. People in these areas are advised to move out of the water, off beaches and coastal areas, and away from ports, rivers, and estuaries.
The agency said some coastal areas could experience unusual strong currents and unpredictable swells on the coast.
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However, he said it was not necessary to evacuate other areas unless local civil defense authorities advised him directly.
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A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
Initial tsunami activity, such as strong currents and storm surges, was expected to hit New Zealand in the areas around the North Cape around 4:20 a.m. Thursday.
NEMA decides any official warning status for New Zealand.
Kelly Murphy, owner of The Huts accommodation in Ahipara, said she had woken up around 4 a.m. to the sound of the waves crashing.
“It seems to be a bit wild and there are some waves, but nothing alarming at the moment,” Murphy said.
All The Huts guests had been notified of the tsunami warning, Murphy said and an emergency plan had been put in place in case something happened.
“I have family in Ruakaka so I also called them and told them not to go down to the estuary today just in case.”
According to Geoscience Australia, the earthquake had an epicenter 401 km east of Tadine, New Caledonia. Seismic data indicated that the underwater earthquake occurred at a depth of 54 km.
The US Tsunami Warning System said there is a tsunami watch for American Samoa and that there is a potential for tsunamis to occur in other regions, including Vanuatu, Fiji and New Zealand.
