A powerful magnitude-7 earthquake struck 159 kilometers west-southwest of Riverton, New Zealand, on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremor, occurring at a depth of 12 kilometers, sent shockwaves across South Island and prompted tsunami warnings for coastal areas.
Local authorities immediately activated emergency protocols, advising residents to move to higher ground. New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency later downgraded the tsunami threat but emphasized vigilance in the seismically active region. “This serves as a reminder of New Zealand’s position along the Pacific Ring of Fire,” said Dr. Sarah Chen, a geophysicist at Wellington University.
Businesses and investors are assessing potential supply chain disruptions, particularly for agricultural exports from South Island. Air New Zealand rerouted flights as crews inspected regional infrastructure. No major casualties were immediately reported.
The earthquake highlights broader regional seismic risks as Asian markets monitor potential impacts on trans-Pacific trade routes. Academics note the event underscores the need for cross-border disaster preparedness frameworks in the Asia-Pacific region.
