6.6 Quake Hits North Of New Zealand - Kermadec Islands

Magnitude 6.6 earthquake strikes Kermadec Islands region - USGS

Reuters

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck Kermadec Islands region north of New Zealand, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said on Friday.

The quake was at a depth of 33 km (21 miles), the USGS said. 

Kermadec Islands quake: Tsunami risk to New Zealand being assessed after earthquake

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and GNS Science are assessing the tsunami risk to New Zealand after an earthquake in the Kermadec Islands region.

The quake struck at 3:46pm on Saturday with a magnitude of 6.6.

In an update, NEMA says coastal inundation - the flooding of land areas - is not expected as a result.

"People do not need to evacuate unless directly advised by local civil defence authorities," it says on its site.

"The National Emergency Management Agency and scientific advisors are still assessing whether any other tsunami activity is expected, such as strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore."