National Emergency Management Agency advises what to do if caught near the shore during an earthquake. Video / NZGetReady
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck 160km northwest of Snares Islands at 2.43pm.
The tsunami risk is being assessed by the National Emergency Management Agency and GNS Science.
Over 4500 people felt the quake, with reports of items falling and buildings swaying.
An emergency mobile alert has been issued after an earthquake struck off the lower South Island this afternoon.
The 6.8 magnitude quake occurred 160km northwest of Snares Islands, according to the GeoNet website. It is now reported to have hit at a depth of 12km at 2.43pm.
Scientists recently warned the quake’s region could produce tsunami waves several storeys high. Find out more here.
Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell says the alert was issued for the bottom of the South Island.
“Evacuations are NOT required but there is potential danger near the shoreline,” he posted to X.
“We are asking people to stay away from the beach and water. Strong and unusual currents may be experienced.”
An Emergency Mobile Alert has been issued for the bottom of the South Island. Evacuations are NOT required but there is potential danger near the shoreline. We are asking people to stay away from the beach and water. Strong and unusual currents may be experienced.
In an update issued just before 6pm, National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) said the risk of dangerous currents was expected to last until around 8pm.
“We expect New Zealand coastal areas to experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore,” Nema said.
“Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore.
“People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.”
The areas under threat cover the West Coast of the South Island from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point.
People on boats, live-aboards and at marinas should leave their boats/vessels and move onto shore until they’re told it’s safe to return.
There is no need to evacuate other areas unless directly advised by local civil defence authorities. Coastal inundation is not expected.
People should:
Move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries
Do not go to the coast to watch the unusual wave activity as there may be dangerous and unpredictable surges
Listen to local civil defence authorities and follow any instructions
Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
The coastal areas at risk from strong currents and unpredictable surges. Image - Nema
‘Students were evacuated’
Over 4500 people have reported feeling the quake, with one person in Tuatapere describing it as a “long rumble”.
“We had things fall off shelf [sic]. The outdoor wooden table dancing,” one person said on Facebook.
A Te Waewae Bay local had been teaching in Riverton when the building shook for 10 to 15 seconds.
”We’ve just had an aftershock now in Orepuki,” she said.
”Students were evacuated to a field and clearing area and we were required to walk to the old hospital where buses would come in due course,” she said.
”I was able to return to school and make my way home.”
Dunedin locals also took to Facebook regarding the shake.
“Yes we on 8th floor of Dunedin Hospital. Curtains were swaying, we ‘rocking’ sitting on the bed. Bit scary to be honest,” said one resident.
“Yip very long sitting in my car waiting on kids and the car was rocking,” said one parent.
