Earthquake caused tsunami in New Zealand

Yesterday afternoon 15-7, a strong earthquake caused a small tsunami in New Zealand and put the coast of the country on alert.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake occurred off the southwestern coast of New Zealand, 161 km west of Invercargill, at a depth of 33 km. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said it found a small tsunami and issued a warning to the region

Map where the earthquake occurred
(Photo: AP)

' An earthquake of this magnitude is often at risk of causing widespread devastating tsunamis and can attack coastal areas near the epicenter within minutes to hours ', warns the center. . This warning was later lifted.

Earthquakes occurred at 9:05 am international time, ie 16g22 this afternoon Vietnam time. USGS and Japanese seismologists believe that the 7.8-magnitude earthquake, however New Zealand authorities say it may be weaker, about 6.6 richter.

There is no information about damage or casualties, although it is believed that earthquakes are felt throughout New Zealand's South Island. The Herald said in Queenstown, many people fled to the streets when they found buildings were shaken, power lines and phones were broken in some areas.

Simon Darby, a South Islander, said the earthquake lasted about two and a half minutes. ' I live in Tokyo for 3 years and have never seen such a big earthquake. Although it is 400 km from the earthquake center, we can feel it. I ran a circuit out of the parking lot, 'he said.