New Zealand earthquake: Tsunami follows powerful tremor

A tsunami has hit after an earthquake struck New Zealand's South Island.
The US Geological Survey said the magnitude-7.8 quake hit just after midnight (11:02 GMT on Sunday), some 95km (59 miles) from Christchurch.

The tsunami arrived in the north-eastern coast about two hours later. Officials said the first waves may not be the largest, with tsunami activity possible for several hours.

Residents were warned to head inland or for higher ground along the coast.

Terrifying

A gauge at Kaikoura, 181 km (112 miles) north of Christchurch, measured a wave of 2.5m (8ft 2ins), according to Weatherwatch.co.nz.

Smaller waves are said to be arriving in Wellington and other areas, the website said.

• But the ministry of civil defence has said the highest waves, which could be as tall as 5m are expected between Malborough, the north-eastern tip of the South Island, and Banks Peninsula, just south of Christchurch.

Residents in the Chatham Islands, an archipelago 423 miles (680km) south-east of the mainland, were also being warned a wave would hit.

Helicopters with medical and rescue personnel are being sent near the epicentre of the quake.

 BBC

13/11/16

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• Magnitude Mw 7.9

Region SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

Date time 2016-11-13 11:02:58.3 UTC

Location 42.70 S ; 172.99 E

Depth 10 km

Distances 216 km SW of Wellington, New Zealand / pop: 382,000 / local time: 00:02:58.3 2016-11-14 

97 km N of Christchurch, New Zealand / pop: 364,000 / local time: 00:02:58.3 2016-11-14 

56 km N of Amberley, New Zealand / pop: 1,200 / local time: 00:02:58.3 2016-11-14 

emsc-csem.org

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