A massive earthquake of magnitude 6.8 hit the coast of Riverton in New Zealand today. The earthquake, which struck at a depth of 10 kilometres, was initially recorded at 7 magnitude. The National Emergency Management Agency of New Zealand is currently assessing the earthquake.
As of now, the agency has suggested residents of Southland and Fiordland stay away from beaches and marine areas as strong and unusual currents may present a danger. The agency has further directed to not return until an official all-clear message is given by Civil Defence. Further details are awaited.
Despite the intensity of the tremor, authorities have not issued any tsunami warnings for the region. Meanwhile, officials continue to monitor the situation for any potential aftershocks or further developments.
This comes days after an earthquake of magnitude 4.9 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan on March 21. The earthquake had occurred at a depth of 160 km, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS).
Earthquakes are natural phenomena that occur due to stress and movements within the Earth’s internal structure. In India, tectonic activities in the Himalayan region are the primary cause of earthquakes. The collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates generates stress, making regions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Northeast India highly earthquake-prone.
The movement, collision, uplift, and subsidence of tectonic plates create continuous stress between them, leading to the buildup of energy. When minor earthquakes occur, they help release this energy gradually. However, if stress accumulates over time without release, the pressure intensifies which increases the risk of a major earthquake. In some cases, the sudden release of accumulated energy can result in devastating tremors, causing widespread destruction.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu confirmed there was no tsunami alert or initial damage reports. New Zealand authorities cautioned residents to stay away from coastal regions, citing potential risks of unusual and powerful currents.