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Tsunami generated off New Zealand after M7.8 earthquake

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-07-15 19:24

WELLINGTON: Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning that a tsunami has been generated after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off New Zealand's west coast, but later said it is small and poses no threat.

The center says sea reading levels confirm a tsunami was generated. It does not say if they are expected to reach the coast.

Related readings:  Strong quake rocks eastern Indonesia  Huge quake wrecks 11,000 homes  6.0-magnitude quake hits SW China  Massive earthquake shakes northern Japan, no tsunami warning  Indonesia commemorates 2004 deadly tsunami

The quake's epicenter was 100 miles (161 kilometers) west of Invercargill, off the west coast of New Zealand's South Island at a depth of 21 miles (33 kilometers). It hit at 0922 GMT on Wednesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) says.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii sent an e-mail alert warning of a possible tsunami in New Zealand.

"An earthquake of this size has the potential to generate a destructive tsunami that can strike coastlines in the region near the epicenter within minutes to hours," the warning center said.

The quake was felt widely across South Island, where the earthquake was centered.

Police in the town of Tuatapere on South Island said they had reports of minor cracks in buildings and stock falling from supermarket shelves.

However, no reports of serious damage or injuries have been received so far, police said.