A significant earthquake struck New Zealand on March 25. The quake, initially estimated at magnitude 7.0, was later revised to 6.7. It occurred approximately 160 km from the nearest inhabited village on the South Island, at a relatively shallow depth in the ocean. While the earthquake was substantial, a tsunami alert was not issued. The Pacific warning center confirmed that there was no tsunami threat.
Authorities advised residents to exercise caution due to potential strong and unusual currents along the coast. New Zealand is located on a tectonic fracture line and experiences thousands of earthquakes annually, most of which are minor.