Tsunami warning and immediate evacuation order issued after earthquake in New Zealand

Noora Mykkanen | Senior Live News reporter Published July 16, 2026 11:10am Updated July 16, 2026 11:10am The alarm was raised after the earthquake off New Zealand’s South Island today (Picture: Sanka Vidanagama/NurPhoto) Parts of New Zealand are under an immediate tsunami threat after a 6,3 magnitude earthquake struck near the coast. The alarm was raised after a ‘damaging’ tsunami wave is feared on the South Island. People in coastal areas have been told to move to higher ground immediately after the quake hit today, even abandoning their vehicles and to run to avoid getting stuck in traffic. The powerful tremor was detected around 24 miles north of Te Anau off the Fiordland National Park. The warning is in place on the west coast of the South Island from Milford Sound and Puysegur Point,