New Zealand rocked by M7.4 earthquake, tsunami not expected

A significant earthquake has struck New Zealand, registering a preliminary magnitude of 7.4 Friday morning local time.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the tremor struck 684 kilometers northeast of Opotiki, New Zealand, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) stated on Twitter there is no tsunami threat, based on current information from the initial assessment.

There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the M7.4 SOUTH OF THE KERMADEC ISLANDS earthquake. Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will pose a threat to New Zealand.

— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) June 18, 2020

There is no word on any damage or fatalities at this time.