Powerful Earthquake Shakes New Zealand's South Island

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off New Zealand's South Island, prompting warnings of potential tsunami threats. Authorities advised residents to avoid coastal areas due to hazardous currents. Over 4,700 people felt the quake, which caused items to fall and buildings to sway across regions.

A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 hit off the coast of New Zealand's South Island on Tuesday, raising alerts from the country's disaster management agency about potential tsunami risks.

The National Emergency Management Agency urged residents of the Southland and Fiordland regions to steer clear of beaches and marine areas due to dangerous currents. Reports from Geonet indicated that more than 4,700 individuals experienced the tremors, which resulted in falling items and swaying structures.

Posts on social media depicted scenes of household items toppling and outdoor furniture shuddering. The earthquake was located at a depth of 33 km, approximately 160 km north-west of Snares Islands. The initial USGS report marked the tremors at a greater magnitude, later revising it to 6.7 without any tsunami threats to nearby lands.

(With inputs from agencies.)