According to reports, Hawaii is under a tsunami watch after three earthquakes struck near New Zealand this morning. The most powerful quake was reportedly measured at 8.1 and struck around 600 miles off the northeast coast of New Zealand.
New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency sent out a tweet after the 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.”
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
There was no damage, injuries, or deaths reported after the quake in New Zealand, according to USA Today. “Based on all available data, a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter,” the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.
The U.S. Geological survey also released a statement that said the first quake was 13 miles under water and 108 miles northeast of Gisborne, New Zealand. According to Hawaii News Now, the first waves, if there were to be a tsunami, would strike around 4:30 p.m. HST. New Zealand is around 4,600 miles from Hawaii.
