Large earthquakes rock New Zealand. Tsunami warnings issued.
The U.S. Geological Survey has just reported a third strong earthquake in New Zealand, in less than 8 hours. The most recent quake took place on March 4, 2021 at 19:28 UTC (2:28 p.m. EST). It was an 8.1 magnitude earthquake whose epicenter lay in the ocean, about 600 miles north of New Zealand. It followed two slightly less-strong earthquakes – a 7.3 magnitude quake and a magnitude 7.4 quake – earlier today in New Zealand. Following 8.1-magnitude earthquake, New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency issued another tsunami warning, which extended to the U.S. state of Hawaii. The Washington Post reported:
Tsunami waves of 10 feet or greater are possible in the Kermadec Islands, with 3 to 9 foot waves in French Polynesia.
American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand and the Pitcairn Islands can expect water levels fluctuating by up to three feet.A tsunami advisory was issued for American Samoa as well.
Go to the USGS real-time page for the 8.1-magnitude earthquake
Go to the USGS real-time page for the 7.4-magnitude earthquake
Go to the USGS real-time page for the 7.3-magnitude earthquake
TSUNAMI WARNING issued following Kermadecs earthquake. People near coast from the BAY OF ISLANDS to WHANGAREI, from MATATA to TOLAGA BAY, and GREAT BARRIER ISLAND must MOVE IMMEDIATELY to nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible
— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) March 4, 2021
TSUNAMI WARNING: Areas that need to evacuate are indicated on this map. Evacuate these areas even if you did not feel the earthquake. DO NOT WAIT. A damaging tsunami is possible. More info at https://t.co/ccVFYQQoBr pic.twitter.com/bnEgZy8ikF
— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) March 4, 2021
TSUNAMI WARNING: People in all other areas who felt a LONG or STRONG earthquake should MOVE IMMEDIATELY to the nearest high ground, out of tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible. More info at https://t.co/ccVFYQQoBr
— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) March 4, 2021
This map shows the areas that can expect strong currents and surges. Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. People in or near the sea in these areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, rivers and estuaries. pic.twitter.com/0hYJT5MlAt
— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) March 4, 2021
Bottom line: A second, stronger earthquake – magnitude 8.1 – followed this morning’s magnitude 7.3 earthquake in New Zealand. A tsunami warning is in effect.