Powerful 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes New Zealand, Tsunami Alert Issued

Auckland, New Zealand: A powerful earthquake of magnitude of 7.3 on Thursday struck off New Zealand's North Island, causing tremors across the region. A tsunami alert has also been issued, India's National Center for Seismology issued a statement.

According to updates, the epicentre of the earthquake was 414 km east (E) of Auckland, New Zealand. The US Geological Survey (USGS) said that the earthquake struck at 2:27 AM local time on Friday and was centred about 85 kilometers (52 miles) east of Te Aroroa, or 412 kilometers (256 mi) east of Auckland. It struck at a depth of roughly 81 kilometers (50 mi).