An earthquake of 7.1 magnitude struck the New Zealand's Kermadec Islands region on Thursday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

The earthquake was estimated at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles). The US Tsunami Warning System has issued a tsunami warning following this earthquake.

Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.1 - Kermadec Islands region https://t.co/wWnuW9x2cO

— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) March 16, 2023The Kermadec Islands lie northeast of Wellington, New Zealand capital. New Zealand is prone to earthquakes as it is located on the boundary of two of the world’s major tectonic plates- the Pacific Plate and the Australian Plate.

Reports in the New Zealand media are suggesting issuance of relevant rescue measures to prevent further mishappenings.

Also Read:Earthquake of magnitude 4.7 hits Hotan in China

-More details awaited

-With inputs from Reuters

First Published:Mar 16, 2023 8:37 AM IST