A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale hit New Zealand’s Kermadec Islands on March 16, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter of the earthquake was approximately 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) underground. In the aftermath of the quake, the US tsunami warning system issued a warning of potential tsunami waves.
As of now, there have been no reports of damage or casualties from the earthquake. However, authorities in the affected areas are urging residents to stay alert and prepared for any potential aftershocks or tsunami waves.
The Kermadec Islands are a remote archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean, around 800-1,000 kilometers northeast of New Zealand. The islands are uninhabited except for a small research station.
The USGS monitors earthquakes and provides alerts and warnings to authorities and the public. They have not released any further information regarding the recent earthquake at this time.