TSUNAMI HITS NEW ZEALAND

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck central New Zealand just after midnight, the U.S. Geological Survey said, generating a tsunami that hit the northeast coast of the South Island.

New Zealand’s Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management warned of the risk of destructive waves along the country’s entire east coast and urged residents in low-lying areas to evacuate and seek higher ground.

Monday’s quake, initially put at 7.4 but later upgraded, struck at 12:02 a.m. It was only 10 kilometre deep and felt throughout most of the country.

The main tremor was followed by a series of strong aftershocks and there were reports of damaged buildings in the small rural township of Cheviot near the epicentre.