Tsunami warning after massive 7.4 earthquake hits the Kermadec Islands – north of New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean

• A tsunami warning has been issued for parts of the Pacific after an earthquake
• A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Kermadec Islands region at 9am AEST 
• If a tsunami does hit New Zealand, it is not predicted for another two hours 

A massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake has struck the Kermadec Islands the Pacific Ocean sparking a tsunami warning. 

New Zealand’s Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management issued a beach warning, telling locals to expect unusually strong, hazardous currents and unpredictable surges near the shore. 

The quake struck at about 9am (AEST) near the Kermadec Islands region – about midway between Auckland and Tonga. 

Preliminary investigations suggest New Zealand may avoid the tsunami, but Kiwi’s are urged to take care near the foreshore.

A tsunami warning may be in place for parts of the Pacific after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Kermadec Islands region

The severity of currents and surges in tide may be unpredictable in the coming hours. 

If a tsunami does hit New Zealand, it is not predicted to arrive for at least another two hours. 

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii issued a statement warning a tsunami threat exists more urgently for parts of the Pacific located closer to where the earthquake took place. 

Based on preliminary investigations, coastlines within a 300km radius of the epicenter could be threatened.    

Concerned locals have been encouraged to keep updated by checking in with the website www.civildefence.govt.nz and Twitter @NZCivilDefence. 

There is no current threat to Australia.  

More to come.  

If a tsunami does hit New Zealand, it is not predicted to arrive for at least another two hours

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