New Zealand authorities have issued a tsunami warning after a 6.3-magnitude (preliminary estimates of up to 6.6) earthquake struck about 40 kilometers north of Te Anau on the South Island.
New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) urged residents to immediately evacuate coastal areas on the South Island's west coast, from Milford Sound to Cape Puisegur, to seek higher ground or move as far inland as possible.
The authorities estimate that there is a risk of coastal flooding. Rescue services have warned that the initial wave may not be the strongest, and dangerous activity could continue for several hours. Residents are advised not to return home until the alert is officially lifted, stay away from beaches, rivers, estuaries and the sea, and avoid watching waves.
