• A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck 160km northwest of Snares Islands at 2.43pm.
• The tsunami risk is being assessed by the National Emergency Management Agency and GNS Science.
• Over 4500 people felt the quake, with reports of items falling and buildings swaying.

An emergency mobile alert has been issued after an earthquake struck off the lower South Island this afternoon.

The 6.7 magnitude quake occurred 160km northwest of Snares Islands, according to the GeoNet website. It was initially recorded at a depth of 33km at 2.43pm.

Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell says the alert was issued for the bottom of the South Island.

“Evacuations are NOT required but there is potential danger near the shoreline,” he posted to X.

“We are asking people to stay away from the beach and water. Strong and unusual currents may be experienced.”

Tsunami risk assessed

The tsunami risk from the quake is being assessed by the National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) and GNS Science.

“If a tsunami has been generated in this location it is not likely to arrive in New Zealand for at least one hour,” Nema said.

Civil Defence says currently no land threat is expected. Residents of Southland and Fiordland should stay away from beach and marine areas as strong and unusual currents may present a danger.

People near the coast should evacuate immediately if they felt the earthquake for over a minute or it was strong enough to make standing difficult.

“In these areas a tsunami may have been generated and may arrive quickly, so evacuate immediately to the nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible.”

People should not return until an official all-clear message is given by Civil Defence.

“Walk, run, or cycle, if at all possible, to reduce the chances of getting stuck in traffic congestion,” it warns.

“If a tsunami has been generated, the first wave may not be the most significant. Tsunami activity will continue for several hours, and the threat is real until this warning is cancelled.”

People in coastal areas should:

• Follow the “long OR strong, get gone” guidance above
• Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates, and NZCivilDefence X and Facebook
• Listen to local Civil Defence authorities
• Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, this includes boats)
• Stay off beaches and shore areas
• Do not go sightseeing
• Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

‘Things fall off shelf’

Over 4500 people have reported feeling the quake, with one person in Tuatapere describing it as a “long rumble”.

“We had things fall off shelf. The outdoor wooden table dancing,” one person said on Facebook.

Dunedin locals also took to Facebook regarding the shake.

“Yes we on 8th floor of Dunedin Hospital. Curtains were swaying, we ‘rocking’ sitting on the bed. Bit scary to be honest,” said one resident.

“Yip very long sitting in my car waiting on kids and the car was rocking,” said one parent.

- More to come