A 6.2-magnitude earthquake has been recorded off the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, with no tsunami warning issued following the tremor, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The seismic event occurred approximately 300 kilometres southwest of Invercargill at a depth of 10 kilometres beneath the Tasman Sea.
The quake, which struck shortly after 1:00 AM local time, was classified by New Zealand’s seismic monitors as moderate in strength. Authorities confirmed there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties from the sparsely populated region nearest the epicentre.
As part of the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire,” New Zealand regularly experiences such tectonic activity. The country’s comprehensive earthquake preparedness measures and building codes appear to have mitigated potential impacts from this latest event.
Civil Defence officials have advised residents in coastal areas to remain alert for potential aftershocks, though they emphasised the earthquake’s offshore location and moderate strength make significant consequences unlikely.
