U.S. Geological Survey(CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand) — A magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck the South Island of New Zealand shortly after midnight on Monday, according to the US Geological Survey. It was initially pegged as a magnitude-7.4 earthquake before being revised.
The quake was centered over land, about 59 miles from Christchurch.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management tweeted that there is a tsunami threat for both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. It tweeted that the North Island may be hit first, writing, “The tsunami may arrive in the Eastern Coast of the North Island shortly. Move inland or to higher ground immediately.”
This is a local source event – we don't have info about specific locations. The tsunami threat is for the East Coast of all NZ #eqnz
— MCDEM (@NZcivildefence) November 13, 2016
The tsunami may arrive in the Eastern Coast of the North Island shortly. Move inland or to higher ground immediately. #eqnz pic.twitter.com/9FaXKunsps
— MCDEM (@NZcivildefence) November 13, 2016
Christchurch was struck by a magnitude-6.3 earthquake in 2011 that killed 185 people.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
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