6.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Coast of New Zealand, Triggers Alert

• 6.7-Magnitude Earthquake Hits New Zealand
• Authorities Issue Safety Alert
• Monitoring Efforts Underway

A strong earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale struck off the southwestern coast of New Zealand’s South Island early on Tuesday, March 25.

The quake raised alarm among local residents and prompted warnings about potentially hazardous conditions along the coastline.

According to geological reports, the quake struck at a depth of 21 kilometers.

Its epicenter was located 164 km southwest of Riverton and 184 km southwest of Invercargill—two key communities in the region.

Seismic Activity in New Zealand’s South Island

Despite the quake’s magnitude, no casualties or significant structural damage have been reported thus far.

However, emergency authorities issued an urgent advisory due to the risk of strong currents and unpredictable surf.

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The warning applies to the coastal region stretching from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point—areas known for their sparse population within Fiordland National Park on the west coast of New Zeland’s South Island.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) urged residents and tourists in the area to exercise extreme caution.

Swimmers, surfers, anglers, and anyone near the water were advised to immediately move inland.

Additionally, people were told to avoid returning to harbors or launching boats until local officials declare it safe.

Although the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) did not issue a formal tsunami warning, authorities are still assessing the situation as monitoring continues.

Officials noted that if a tsunami were to form, it would likely not reach the New Zealand coastline until at least an hour after the initial tremor.

More than 4,500 individuals reported feeling the quake, suggesting it was widely felt throughout the region.

New Zealand is known for its frequent seismic activity due to its location at the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates.

The country experiences thousands of earthquakes each year.

Between 100 and 150 are strong enough to be felt by the public.

New Zealand authorities, recalling previous major earthquakes, emphasized the importance of ongoing preparedness, as reported by Infobae.

They also reminded the public to follow established safety protocols during and after seismic events.

In summary, Tuesday’s 6.7-magnitude quake has not resulted in casualties or major damage.

But the swift and coordinated response by officials—and the vigilance of the public—are key to minimizing risks and ensuring public safety in the affected regions.

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