Tsunami warning issued after quake rocks NZ

Wellington, Jul 15: A 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked New Zealand on Wednesday, Jul 15 prompted the issue of tsunami warning for the entire country.

Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reportedly sent an e-mail alert warning after the powerful earthquake hit the country's western coast at 0922 GMT.

"An earthquake of this size has the potential to generate a destructive tsunami that can strike coastlines in the region near the epicenter within minutes to hours," the warning center said.

US Geological Survey revealed that the epicenter of the trembler was 161 kilometers west of Invercargill, off the west coast of New Zealand's South Island at a depth of 33 kilometers.

Authorities have said that the buildings in the town of Tuatapere on South Island have just suffered minor cracks and no serious damage or injury has been reported.

OneIndia News