Wellington, Mar 25 (V7N) – A powerful earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale struck New Zealand’s South Island on Tuesday, according to the country’s geological monitoring agency, Geonet. There have been no immediate reports of casualties or major damage, and no tsunami warning has been issued.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 33 kilometers (21 miles), with its epicenter located about 160 kilometers northwest of the Snares Islands, the northernmost part of New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic archipelago.

Following the tremor, New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency advised residents in Southland and Fiordland to stay away from beaches and marine areas, warning that strong and unusual currents could pose a danger.

Meanwhile, Australia’s National Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that there is no tsunami threat to Australia’s mainland, islands, or territories. Authorities in New Zealand continue to monitor the situation closely.

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