New Zealand live: Immediate evacuation ordered due to possible tsunami

New Zealand live: Immediate evacuation ordered due to possible tsunami New Zealand Civil Defence has warned residents to evacuate ahead of a possible "damaging tsunami" in coastal areas following a powerful magnitude 6.3 earthquake An immediate evacuation order has been ordered in New Zealand amid the threat of a possible tsunami following a powerful earthquake. A magnitude 6.3 quake was recorded 40 km north of the town of Te Anau on New Zealand’s South Island, New Zealand Civil Defence said. "People near the coast in the following areas must move immediately to the nearest high ground, out of tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible," the government body warned. Key Events A warning from New Zealand Civil Defence said: "A Tsunami Warning has been issued following the M6.3 earthquake near 40 km north of Te Anau. "Land inundation is likely in the following areas. People near the coast in the following areas must move immediately to the nearest high ground, out of tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible: "The West Coast of the South Island from MILFORD SOUND to PUYSEGUR POINT. "The earthquake may not have been felt in some of these areas, but evacuation should be immediate as a damaging tsunami is possible."