Magnitude 6.7 Earthquake Hits Near New Zealand’s South Island
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck near New Zealand’s South Island, prompting warnings from the National Emergency Management Agency. Residents were advised to avoid coastal areas due to strong currents. Additionally, a global surge in powerful earthquakes has been noted, affecting regions not previously seen as seismically active, such as Ukraine and Iran.
On March 25, a powerful earthquake registering a magnitude of 6.7 struck near the South Island of New Zealand. The tremors were detected approximately 160 km northwest of the Snares Islands at a depth of 33 km, occurring at 14:43 local time, as reported by Reuters and GeoNet.
In response to the earthquake, the National Emergency Management Agency urged residents in the Southland and Fiordland areas to avoid beaches and marine zones due to the risk of strong and unusual currents. This warning particularly affects the western coast of the South Island, extending from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point.
More than 4,700 individuals experienced the tremor, with reports from New Zealand media indicating incidents of falling objects and buildings swaying during the quake.
Globally, the frequency of powerful earthquakes has been rising, particularly in regions that were not traditionally deemed seismically active. For instance, on March 21, a significant earthquake occurred near Isfahan, Iran, close to a nuclear facility involved in uranium enrichment.
Earlier in March, a smaller earthquake of 2.6 magnitude struck the Ternopil region of Ukraine, following a 3.6 magnitude tremor in the Poltava area in February. These occurrences highlight the increasing seismic activity across various regions worldwide.
The recent earthquake near the South Island of New Zealand, with significant tremors felt by thousands, emphasizes the persistent risk posed by seismic activities globally. With reports of unusual earthquakes in previously unaffected regions, it is crucial for communities worldwide to remain vigilant and prepared for natural disasters.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
