Xinhua News Agency, Wellington, March 5 (Reporter Guo Lei and Lu Huaiqian) According to the New Zealand Institute of Geology and Nuclear Science, strong earthquakes occurred in the waters north of New Zealand's North Island on the 5th. The New Zealand Civil Defence Department has issued warnings for tsunamis and geological disasters, and there are no reports of casualties and property damage.
The first earthquake occurred at 2:27 on the 5th local time, with a magnitude of 7.1 and a focal depth of about 90 kilometers. It was located about 95 kilometers northeast of New Zealand's North Island. Most areas of New Zealand's North Island and the city of Christchurch on the South Island have strong tremors. Due to the long duration of the earthquake and the strong tremor, many residents were awakened.
Later, the Kermadeke Islands, about 1,000 kilometers away from the main island of New Zealand, experienced 7.4 and 8.0 earthquakes successively at 6:41 and 8:28. Due to the long distance, residents of New Zealand's main island did not feel the earthquake, but the New Zealand Civil Defense Department once again issued a tsunami and geological disaster warning.
According to the US Geological Survey Earthquake Information Network, the magnitudes of the three earthquakes that day were 7.3, 7.4, and 8.1 respectively.
The Ministry of Civil Defence of New Zealand published information on its website that the tsunami caused by the Kemadek Islands earthquake may affect the northeastern coast of New Zealand's North Island during the daytime on the 5th. Local residents should stay away from the coast and refrain from participating in any water activities.
According to reports, the railway line in New Zealand’s North Island has been suspended, and engineers will check whether the earthquake has caused potential safety impacts on the line.