Tsunami warning and immediate evacuation order issued after earthquake in New Zealand

Parts of New Zealand are under an immediate tsunami threat after a 6,3 magnitude earthquake struck near the coast.

The alarm was raised after a ‘damaging’ tsunami wave is feared on the South Island.

People in coastal areas have been told to move to higher ground immediately after the quake hit today, even abandoning their vehicles and to run to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

The powerful tremor was detected around 24 miles north of Te Anau off the Fiordland National Park.

The warning is in place on the west coast of the South Island from Milford Sound and Puysegur Point, the country’s emergency agency said.

National Emergency Management Agency said in a warning: ‘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 earthquake may not have been felt in some of these areas, but evacuation should be immediate as a damaging tsunami is possible.’

‘Listen to local Civil Defence authorities and follow any instructions regarding evacuation of your area. If you are told to evacuate do not stay at home.

‘Do 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.’

People outside the immediate evacuation zone should move to the nearest higher ground or as far inland as possible if they felt a long or strong earthquake that made it difficult to stand up, the agency said.

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