New Zealand Earthquake Update, Evacuations and Damage: 7.1 Magnitude Triggers Tsunami Warnings, Thousands Without Power, Schools and Railways Closed
Quake the biggest one since 1995; small tsunami seen but no damage reported. Tsunami warning now removed.
A powerful 7.1 earthquake hit the East Coast of the North Island in New Zealand Friday morning lasting for about a minute. The earthquake struck the island just before the break of dawn and it was felt all over the country. After 90 minutes, a tsunami warning was issued to brace nearby areas of the after effects of the strong quake.
Reports said that a small tsunami was spotted but was not able to cause any damage. The tsunami warning was lifted. Thousands woke up to the strong vibrations and then afterwards, power was cut off. Classes were suspended in schools while rail lines were forced to close to prepare for possible aftershocks.
Gisborne region badly affected
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There were no injuries reported due to the earthquake but the region of Gisborne suffered the most. Several homes were reported to sustain heavy damage. Water supply was cut off because underground water pipes were also severely damaged.
Biggest quake to hit North Island
Experts say that this earthquake was the biggest one to rock North Island of New Zealand since 1995. A quake with a magnitude of 7.2 struck the island originating from the exact spot. There were also reports that this event may be a combination of two earthquakes. Seismologists still have no details as to how deep the quake was and if there were risks of tsunamis after the event.
There were also concerns regarding the time it took for the tsunami alert to be announced. The Ministry of Civil Defense and Emergency Management or MCDEM took 40 minutes to send the first national advisory and then another 20 minutes for a tsunami warning. A review of the delay in emergency response will be done according to reports.
Warnings in these areas continue
MCDEM reported that based on their data, the greatest threat for tsunami activity has passed but areas such as the East Coast of the North Island and the upper portions of South Island are still covered with a severe warning.
According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter of the quake was 167 kilometers from Gisborne, the nearest town. The quake's shallow tremor was reported to be around 30 kilometers off the coast.
This area in North Island is one of the most seismically- active sites in the country and earthquakes are not uncommon here. However, a quake as strong as 7.1 is unusual. The North Island is on top of the Australian tectonic plate while along the east coast, the Pacific plate pushes under the North Island. Because of these interactions, the area experiences a lot of quakes.
The boundary of the Pacific and Australian plates is called "Ring of Fire," in this area; around 15,000 tremors are experienced yearly.
