Powerful 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Off Coast Of New Zealand

A major magnitude 7.1 earthquake has struck off the coast of New Zealand 7.2 earthquake, 145km NNE of Gisborne, New Zealand. 2016-09-02 04:37:57 at epicenter (8m ago, depth 159km). https://t.co/AJOJK0wH1w — Earthquakes Tsunamis (@NewEarthquake) September 1, 2016 The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake hit off the east coast of New Zealand’s northern island around 4:37 p.m. UTC at a depth of around 159 kilometers USGS initially reported the quake to be 7.2 but have since downgraded it to 7.1. Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency said there was no tsunami threat to the state. @NWS_PTWS reports a 7.2M earthquake of the coast of New Zealand. NO Tsunami Threat to Hawaii — Hawaii EMA (@Hawaii_EMA) September 1, 2016 There have been no immediate reports of any damage or casualties Radio New Zealand reports: Civil Defence was advising anyone living near the coast needs to evacuate the area, take their radio with them and immediately go to higher ground. The national civil defence centre warned people in coastal areas to note that strong tsunami currents and surges were possible. The warning noted the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management and its scientific advisors were still assessing the severity of the tsunami [...]