6.9 magnitude earthquake in New Zealand – March 4, 2021

UPGRADE: The tsunami warning center, based in the US state of Hawaii, reported that tsunami waves were observed, according to Hotnews.ro.

LAST VIDEO: First Tsunami Waves in Tokomaru Bay, New Zealand: WATCH:#Tsunami #earthquake #New Zealand pic.twitter.com/ENxVdJbeTu

– Insider Document (@TheInsiderPaper) March 4, 2021

UPGRADE: Local media reported that major roads in cities like Whangarei and Whakatane were blocked after people fled their homes or workplaces following a tsunami warning.

In the nearby town of Ohope, the New Zealand Herald quoted resident Leslie Peake as driving from bar to bar, with “huge lines of cars evacuating the city.”

UPGRADE: Initially, Geonet estimated the earthquake’s magnitude at 8, but it was changed to 8.1. The American Institute of Geophysics (USGS) also initially reported that the earthquake was 7.8 degrees, later rectifying.

The earthquake occurred off the Kermadec Islands, reports the American Institute of Geophysics (USGS).

The New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) issued a new tsunami alert following the magnitude 8 earthquake that occurred shortly after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the same region, Reuters notes.

Authorities are warning people near the coast to move immediately to the nearest higher ground.

“Don’t stay home!” NEMA broadcast.

Evacuation orders have also been issued for locals living on the east coast of the North Island.

TSUNAMI WARNING: Listen to local civil defense authorities and follow evacuation instructions. Coastal flooding (flooding of land areas) is expected in areas under terrestrial and marine threat. See attached map for affected areas. More information at https://t.co/ccVFYQQoBr pic.twitter.com/KoKouvbYeB

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

A first earthquake, 7.1 degrees, struck 180 km northeast of Gisborne on Friday at 2:27 am (1:27 pm GMT Thursday), at a relatively shallow depth of 10 km, according to Geonet.

The earthquake also affected Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, on New Zealand’s South Island.

The earthquake was followed by 18 aftershocks and authorities issued a tsunami alert.

Officials subsequently only issued warnings about coastal areas that could face strong currents on land.

“Everyone on the coast who has felt the earthquake should now head to the higher areas,” warned New Zealand authorities.

Last week, New Zealand marked 10 years since the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that destroyed Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city, killing 185 people, according to the BBC.