Major 5.9-magnitude earthquake strikes near New Zealand tourist hotspot triggering tsunami warning

Major 5.9-magnitude earthquake strikes near New Zealand tourist hotspot triggering tsunami warning Strong tremor shook buildings across the region and sent residents rushing outdoors - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck New Zealand's South Island on Thursday, briefly prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning. The tremor shook buildings across the region and sent residents rushing outdoors, but authorities said there were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage. The earthquake's epicentre was about 40km (25 miles) north of Te Anau, which is the gateway to the tourist hotspot of Fiordland, according to New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The agency initially assessed the quake, which struck at 9.14pm local time (0914 GMT), at magnitude 6.3 before revising it downward to 5.9. Tsunami alert was lifted, but the agency said it expected coastal areas to experience "strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore". “People on boats, liveaboards and at marinas in these areas should leave their boats/vessels and move onto shore. Do not return to boats unless instructed by officials,” it said. GeoNet, New Zealand's official geological hazard monitoring agency, said more than 20,000 people had reported feeling the quake. More follows Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments