Another tsunami warning has been issued for parts of New Zealand’s North Island after a *third* earthquake has struck the nation on Friday morning.
An 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck near the Kermadec Islands on Friday morning, prompting a tsunami warning.
“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,” a tweet from the National Emergency Management Agency read.
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
The NEMA then went on to clarify that this is the third separate earthquake to hit the nation this morning, prompting locals to be alert and ready to evacuate if needed.
This is the third earthquake this morning.
— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) March 4, 2021
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (bless her heart) took to Instagram following the first quake to send well wishes to everyone who may have felt “the full force” of it.
“Hope everyone is ok out there – especially on the East Coast who would have felt the full force of that earthquake,” she wrote.
The same earthquake has also prompted a tsunami warning for Australia’s Norfolk Island, with the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre issuing a statement on Friday morning.
“For the marine environment of Norfolk Island there is the possibility of DANGEROUS RIPS, WAVES AND STRONG OCEAN CURRENTS, AND SOME LOCALISED OVERFLOW ONTO THE IMMEDIATE FORESHORE commencing after 9am Friday and persisting for several hours,” update on the Bureau of Meteorology website read.
“While evacuations are not necessary for Marine Threat areas, people in these areas are advised to get out of the water and move away from the immediate water’s edge.”
There is no current threat to mainland Australia.
As it currently stands, anyone near the coast of the following areas is urged to move to high ground or as far inland as possible immediately.
- East coast of the North Island from Bay of Islands to Whangarei
- From Matata to Tolaga Bay, including Whakatane and Opotiki
All information in this story is current at the time of publishing, for up-to-date emergency advice, please consult the National Emergency Management Agency.
