Earthquake of Magnitude 6.2 Hits off New Zealand's Coast

Authorities in New Zealand announced today, Tuesday, that a "magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck the southern coasts of the country." The New Zealand seismic survey center reported that "the earthquake occurred at 09:14 (21:14 GMT), with its epicenter located 124 km west of Christchurch at a depth of 10 km." The center noted that "around 15,000 people reported feeling the tremor." New Zealand is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area where tectonic plates meet, leading to significant seismic and volcanic activity.