The U.S. Geological Survey announced the occurrence of three earthquakes within minutes of each other near the Philippines, Indonesia, and New Zealand. The strongest earthquake struck near New Zealand.
In its report this evening, the agency stated that the earthquake in New Zealand was initially recorded at a magnitude of 7.5, later revised to 7.7, with its epicenter located 6 miles southeast of the Loyalty Islands. It noted that there were no initial reports of injuries or damage on the ground due to the earthquake. Two other major earthquakes occurred southwest of Sumatra in Indonesia and near the Philippines.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center emphasized that the earthquake that hit the Loyalty Islands could generate "dangerous tsunami waves" in the next three hours. The center explained that tsunami wave heights could range from 0.3 meters to one meter above normal tide levels along some coasts in Fiji, New Zealand, and Vanuatu, along with smaller waves in other countries in the region, including Australia, the Cook Islands, and American Samoa.
In addition, the Australian agency confirmed the occurrence of a tsunami following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck Loyalty Island in the South Pacific. The agency stated that New Zealand authorities have urged residents of the northern coastal areas to stay away from beaches and waterfronts due to concerns about rising ocean levels following the earthquake.
For its part, the National Disaster Management Agency predicted that coastal areas in New Zealand would experience strong and unusual currents, along with unpredictable water level rises at the shoreline following the earthquake near the Loyalty Islands. The agency added that individuals present in or near the sea (along the northern coastline) should exit the water and avoid beaches, coastal areas, ports, and river estuaries.
