Today's Edition
Sydney (AFP, dpa)
A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck off New Zealand's South Island on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey said.
The tremor - initially recorded at a 7.0 magnitude - hit at 2:43 pm (0143 GMT) at a depth of 10 kilometres off the southwest tip of New Zealand's South Island, according to the USGS.
There were no immediate reports of damage or a tsunami warning, but local media reported that thousands of residents felt the tremor.
Authorities initially estimated the magnitude at 6.8.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) urged people to stay away from beaches at the bottom of the South Island, warning of strong currents and waves that could pose a risk to swimmers, surfers and people fishing.
In 2011, a 6.3-magnitude quake devastated Christchurch, the country's second-largest city, killing 185 people and destroying large parts of the city centre.
