A powerful earthquake struck off the southern coast of New Zealand early Monday, sending tremors across the region and prompting thousands of residents to report the shaking to authorities.
According to Geonet, New Zealand’s official geological hazard monitoring agency, approximately 4,700 individuals across the country reported feeling the earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 33 kilometers and roughly 160 kilometers northwest of the Snares Islands, the northernmost of the country’s sub-Antarctic territories.
The tremor, initially measured at magnitude 7.0, was later revised by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to a slightly lower magnitude.
The USGS placed the quake at a depth of 10 kilometers, indicating a shallow event more likely to be felt across a wide area.
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology also issued a statement reassuring the public that there was no danger to the Australian mainland, its surrounding islands, or territories.
Residents across parts of New Zealand reported swaying buildings and minor displacements of household items, though no casualties or structural damage had been officially recorded as of the time of this report.
New Zealand sits atop the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, a 40,000-kilometre horseshoe-shaped belt characterized by frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
The region’s complex tectonic landscape results from the movement and collision of multiple tectonic plates, placing New Zealand among the most earthquake-prone nations globally.
Seismologists continue to monitor the area for potential aftershocks, which are common following seismic events of this magnitude.
Emergency management agencies have urged residents, especially in southern regions, to remain alert and review safety protocols in the event of future tremors.
While the impact of the earthquake was widely felt, experts noted that its offshore location and moderate depth helped mitigate the likelihood of significant damage on land.
The New Zealand government has not issued any evacuation orders or emergency alerts, but local authorities remain on standby as a precaution.
The latest seismic activity reinforces the ongoing risk associated with New Zealand’s geological setting and highlights the importance of early warning systems and public preparedness in minimizing the impact of natural disasters.
