7.1 magnitude earthquake shakes New Zealand again, tsunami alert issued

Wellington, Thursday, March 4, 2021

New Zealand, located in the Pacific Ocean's Ring of Fire, has again been shaken by a powerful earthquake. The quake measured 7.1 on the Richter scale. The US Geological Survey initially estimated the quake at 7.3 on the Richter scale, then reduced it to 6.9. The epicenter was reported at a depth of 10 km, according to the US Geological Survey.

300 km Tsunami warning in the area

The PTWC said tsunami waves were possible within 300 km of the epicenter. An alert has since been issued in the entire area. People in the quake-hit areas have been told to stay away from the coast. New Zealand's emergency agencies have been placed on high alert.

New Zealand was also shaken on 10 February

On February 10, a powerful earthquake shook New Zealand. A tsunami alert was issued in the area. However, this warning was withdrawn shortly after. The US Geological Survey reported that the epicenter was about 415 kilometers (258 miles) east of Wao in New Caledonia.

The quake affected zone is New Zealand

New Zealand falls in the earthquake affected zone. The area is constantly affected by earthquakes due to the eruption of many volcanoes in the Pacific Ocean and the shifting of tectonic plates. There are many countries, including Fiji, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Australia, Cook Islands, and American Samoa, which experience many small and large earthquakes almost daily.