An urgent evacuation directive has been issued in New Zealand due to the potential threat of a tsunami following a strong earthquake. The earthquake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, was detected 40 km north of the town of Te Anau on the South Island, as reported by the New Zealand Civil Defence.
Residents residing near the coast in specific areas have been advised to promptly move to higher ground, away from tsunami danger zones, or as far inland as possible, according to government authorities. The National Emergency Management Agency has released a risk map indicating the most vulnerable regions.
Warnings emphasize that the initial tsunami wave may not be the largest, and the threat could persist for several hours. Individuals who experienced a prolonged or intense earthquake are urged to head to elevated areas immediately and not stay at home.
Efforts by the National Emergency Management Agency and ESNZ Science are ongoing to evaluate the situation and provide comprehensive risk assessments. The quake’s epicenter is believed to be within Fiordland National Park, a renowned tourist spot known for its stunning fjords and trails.
A vast 1340-mile stretch of coastline along the southwest coast of the South Island is covered by the issued warning. The initial tremor was registered on Wednesday evening at 9:14 pm local time, with the epicenter located 40 kilometers north of Te Anau.
The west coast of the South Island from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point faces potential “land inundation” due to the earthquake. Citizens are instructed to evacuate to higher ground, using alternative modes of transportation like walking, running, or cycling to avoid traffic congestion risks.
Authorities caution against returning until an official clearance message is issued by Civil Defence. The public is urged to adhere to safety instructions and stay informed through official channels for updates on the evolving situation.