New Zealand: 7.2-magnitude earthquake strikes near Kermadec Islands June 16

Event

A 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck some 103 km (64 mi) northeast of L'Esperance Rock (New Zealand) on the morning (local time) of Sunday, June 16. The US Tsunami Warning System initially issued a "tsunami threat" for the Kermadec Islands following the earthquake which has since been rescinded. No tsunami warning, advisory, watch, or threat is currently in effect. Waves of less than 1 ft (0.3 m) are forecast to affect the shores of American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kermadec Islands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna over the coming hours.

Aftershocks are possible in the affected region over the coming hours and days.  

Advice

Individuals in the abovementioned areas are advised to monitor developments, prepare for aftershocks, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

In the event of aftershocks, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), move away from windows, and not attempt to leave a building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.