New Zealand struck by 7.1 magnitude earthquake
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake has struck Kermadec Islands near New Zealand on Monday with depth of 10 km (6.21 miles).
The earthquake was initially at 7.3 magnitude before it was downgraded to 7.1, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Further examination showed that the earthquake’s longitude was -178.02 and its latitude was -29.95, says National Centre for Seismology.
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“Earthquake of Magnitude:7.2, Occurred on 24-04-2023, 06:11:52 IST, Lat: -29.95 & Long: -178.02, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Kermadec Islands, New Zealand,” tweeted National Center for Seismology.
So far, no casualties have been reported due to the earthquake.
Despite the magnitude, earthquake did not pose any threat to Hawaii and the Pacific region as stated by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.
However, people have been instructed to keep at a distance from coastal areas to ensure their safety as per the country’s National Emergency Management Agency.
Recall on March 16, Kermadec Islands region was hit by a similar earthquake of 7.1 magnitude which prompted tsunami warnings, according to MSN.
However, hours after the tsunami warning was issued by the US Geological Survey for the Kermadec Islands, the New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency had clarified, “There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the earthquake in the Southern Kermadec Islands.”
Prior to the previous incident, the same Kermadec Islands was hit by an earthquake of 6.9 magnitude and the depth of the quake was reported to be 152 km (94 miles), said USGS.
Conflicting reports of the earthquake’s magnitude had emerged with the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre reporting the magnitude at 6.6 with a depth of 183 km. However, this time around no tsunami warning was issued after the earthquake.
The Kermadec Islands have remained uninhabited, apart from Raoul Island where scientists keep visiting for carrying out meteorological observations or weed control work.
New Zealand always remains prone to earthquakes as it shares its boundary with two major tectonic plates of the world – the Australian Plate and the Pacific Plate.
The country is also located on the edge of a zone of intense seismic activity which is known as the Ring of Fire. Thousands of earthquakes rock New Zealand every year.