On March 25, 2025, at 2:43 PM local time, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck off the coast of New Zealand’s South Island, approximately 160 km northwest of the Snares Islands. The quake was initially recorded as a magnitude 7.0 but was later downgraded. It occurred at a depth of 10 km, with tremors felt by over 4,700 people. Reports indicate items falling and buildings swaying during the shaking.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) assessed the tsunami risk following the earthquake and determined there was no threat to New Zealand. However, NEMA advised residents of the Southland and Fiordland regions to stay away from beaches and marine areas due to the possibility of strong and unusual currents.
New Zealand’s GeoNet monitoring system detected the earthquake, which was centered near Riverton on the southwestern tip of the South Island. GeoNet reported that more than 4,700 people felt the quake, with many sharing experiences of items falling and buildings swaying.
While the earthquake caused noticeable shaking, there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and follow any guidance provided by local authorities.