A sudden shift in the usual calm of the region between Australia and New Zealand has prompted some concern, with reports of an earthquake.
The tremors reached the mainland, where thousands of residents felt the impact, a stark reminder of the dynamic and sometimes perilous nature of the Earth beneath our feet.
At 12.42 pm (AEDT) on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday, the earth’s restlessness was felt as the 6.7 magnitude quake hit at a depth of 12km, approximately 160km northwestnorth-west of the Snares Islands.
In the wake of the earthquake, New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency issued a stark warning to residents in the Southland and Fiordland regions to avoid beaches and marine areas, including harbours, marinas, rivers, and estuaries.
‘Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore.’ the warning states.
The alert highlighted the potential for ‘strong and unusual currents’ that could pose a significant danger to the life of anyone near the water’s edge.
While there was no official evacuation order, authorities urged residents to take proactive measures, especially if the earthquake was felt for an extended period or was strong enough to make standing difficult.
The possibility of a tsunami, arriving swiftly and with little warning, prompted calls for immediate evacuation to higher ground.
‘In these areas a tsunami may have been generated and may arrive quickly, so evacuate immediately to the nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible.’
There are no Tsunami warnings issued by the authorities amid fears after the massive earthquake. Image source: Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre
Despite the initial fears, the Bureau of Meteorology later confirmed that there was no tsunami threat to Australia. However, the risk of dangerous and unusual currents was expected to persist into Tuesday night, keeping coastal communities on alert.
More than 4,700 New Zealanders reported feeling the earthquake, with local accounts describing furniture toppling and buildings swaying in the quake’s vicinity.
Social media posts from residents painted a vivid picture of the event, with one noting their ‘outdoor wooden table dancing’ amidst the chaos.
A coastal sea-level gauge captured a 10cm tsunami that persisted for 90 minutes following the earthquake in southwest Fiordland, at the southwestern tip of the South Island. This subtle yet significant rise in sea level was a tangible sign of the earthquake’s power, even if it did not lead to widespread damage.
The earthquake’s location near the Puysegur Trench, a tectonic plate boundary where the Australian plate subducts beneath the Pacific plate, is a region of considerable geological interest.
Despite its potential for significant seismic activity, scientists admit that the area is not well understood.
Dr Finn Illsley-Kemp, a seismologist, told the NZ Herald that the region has seen ‘far less research compared to other regions,’ which leaves many questions about its exact tectonic behaviour. Yet, it has been the site of some of New Zealand’s largest earthquakes.
For Australians who may have friends or family in New Zealand or who may be considering travel across the Tasman Sea, this event serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about natural disaster preparedness and response.
It’s crucial to understand the risks associated with earthquakes and tsunamis, especially in regions known for their seismic activity.
We invite our readers to share their experiences or concerns regarding earthquake safety and preparedness. Have you ever felt the tremors of an earthquake, or do you have a plan in place for such an event? Let’s discuss the importance of being ready for natural disasters and how we can support each other in times of uncertainty. Your insights and stories are valuable, and we encourage you to contribute to the conversation below.
Also read: How to prepare for a cyclone, according to an expert
