New Zealand Shaken by 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake: What You Need to Know

Significant Earthquake Strikes New Zealand

Wellington: A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck off the western coast of New Zealand. Fortunately, there is no tsunami alert in effect.

According to the US Geological Survey, the seismic event took place just after 1 AM local time, located 300 kilometers southwest of Invercargill and at a depth of 10 kilometers beneath the ocean.

Seismologists in New Zealand classified the tremor as moderate, and there have been no immediate reports of any damage.

Additionally, the USGS later recorded a stronger quake of 6.8 magnitude in the Macquarie Island area, situated over 1,200 kilometers northeast of Invercargill, occurring at a depth of less than three miles.

New Zealand, home to approximately 5 million residents, is situated on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' a region known for its frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.