A 6.6 magnitude earthquake shock the North and South islands of New Zealand and Tongan residents in Auckland took to Facebook to share their reactions to the scary shaking.
Kaniva News reports the quake had a depth of 16km and it struck 20km southeast of Hanmer Springs.
But the New Zealand Civil Defence has revised the first earthquake to a magnitude 7.5, 15km deep, 15 km north-east of Culverden.
It was strongly felt in Christchurch, Wellington, Taranaki, Hamilton and Auckland.
New Zealand Civil Defence is advising all people in coastal areas of the country to move inland to higher ground after a severe magnitude 7.5 earthquake which struck in the South Island.
Tidal measurements from Geonet now indicate that a tsunami two metres or more has been recorded in Kaikoura, and indications are it will hit other parts of the South Island soon.
Earlier on it said: “Take your getaway kit with you if possible. Do not travel into the areas at risk to get your kit or belongings. Take your pets with you if you can do so safely.
“Move immediately to the nearest higher ground, or as far inland as you can. If evacuation maps are present, follow the routes shown. Walk or bike if possible and drive only if essential. If driving, keep going once you are well outside the evacuation zone to allow room for others behind you.
“If you cannot escape the tsunami, go to an upper storey of a sturdy building or climb onto a roof or up a tree, or grab a floating object and hang on until help arrives. Boats are usually safer in water deeper than 20 metres than if they are on the shore. Move boats out to sea only if there is time and it is safe to do so.
“Never go to the shore to watch for a tsunami. Stay away from at-risk areas until the official all-clear is given. Listen to your local radio stations as emergency management officials will be broadcasting the most appropriate advice for your community and situation.
Social Media
Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni offered condolences to New Zealanders on Facebook.
“Hope everybody fine in Christchurch after that 7+ earthquake. Also hope no tsunami”, he posted.