According to reports, New Zealanders have been given the greatest chance to return to their homes after a series of earthquakes triggered tsunami warnings over several hours.
Three earthquakes hit the Pacific region over a period of 6 hours on Friday, with the last earthquake recording 8.1 magnitude – one of the strongest earthquakes in the region in modern history.
GREAT BARRIER ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND: Residents await higher ground after tsunami alert on 5 March 2021 in Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. A number of low-lying coastal areas have been evacuated in New Zealand following a series of earthquakes this morning. While the threat level has now been downgraded, wave surges are still expected along coastal areas, while New Zealanders have been warned to stay off the beaches. (Photo by Bridget Cameron)
Officials issued advice for coastal areas after the first earthquake – which they registered with a magnitude of 7.3 – came about 100 kilometers from the islands.
“We expect New Zealand coastal areas to experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable rapids on the shore,” tweeted the National Emergency Management Agency in New Zealand.
The quakes created waves 3 to 10 feet high and forced officials to issue tsunami warnings in various countries around the Pacific Ocean.
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The strongest earthquake occurred about 620 kilometers northeast of New Zealand.
Even Hawaii observed a tsunami warning that lasted two and a half hours, Hawaii News Now reports.
GREAT BARRIER ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND: Residents await higher ground after tsunami alert on 5 March 2021 in Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. A number of low-lying coastal areas have been evacuated in New Zealand following a series of earthquakes this morning. While the threat level has now been downgraded, wave surges are still expected along coastal areas, while New Zealanders have been warned to stay off the beaches. (Photo by Bridget Cameron)
Despite the significant strength of the earthquakes, no widespread injuries or deaths were reported. New Zealand residents have only reported a lockout report as people have fled their homes for higher ground as well as structural damage.
A small earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 in 2011 killed 185 people on the southernmost island of Christchurch.
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Residents have been told they may return home, but have been warned to stay off the beaches, although authorities have said the biggest waves are over, the BBC reports.