Magnitude 6.8 earthquake hits New Zealand’s South Island coast

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit the coast of Riverton New Zealand on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey said.

In a social media post on X, a seismic monitor, USGS said the earthquake hit 159 km West-Southwest (WSW) of Riverton in New Zealand. The quake was at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles).
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu confirmed there was no tsunami alert or initial damage reports.
New Zealand authorities cautioned residents to stay away from coastal regions, citing potential risks of unusual and powerful currents.

"No land threat is expected," stated the agency's national advisory.

La Riviera Guesthouse proprietor Rose Ivory described how her vehicle shook considerably. "That was quite a long one," she shared with AFP.

She noted the community's composed reaction, mentioning her subsequent grocery trip where people appeared unperturbed by the event.

At Ziff's Cafe and Bar in Invercargill, South Island, manager Ben Sievwright experienced a minor tremor. "Just a little wee shake, nothing too eventful," he told AFP.

New Zealand's geographical position between two significant tectonic plates results in frequent seismic activity, with thousands of minor earthquakes occurring annually.