Swarm of massive earthquakes hits off NZ coast

The North Island is bracing for possible tsunamis, with some areas told to move to high ground immediately.

A strong 8.1 magnitude earthquake has been reported in the sea off New Zealand, around 100km east of Te Araroa, with residents bracing for possible tidal waves.

TSUNAMI WARNING issued following Kermadecs earthquake. People near coast from the BAY OF ISLANDS to WHANGAREI, from MATATA to TOLAGA BAY, and GREAT BARRIER ISLAND must MOVE IMMEDIATELY to nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible

— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) March 4, 2021

Residents in all areas from the Bay of Islands to Whangārei, from Matata to Tolaga Bay and the Great Barrier Island have been told to evacuate to high ground “immediately”.

Following a 7.2 quake in the area, a 7.4 quake hit near the Kermadec Islands at 6.41 am local time, and then at 8:30 a severe 8.1 magnitude quake hit the same islands. The quake is substantial enough to have triggered a tsunami warning for the Hawaiian Islands.

3 very strong earthquakes have struck near New Zealand within 6 hours of one another. The 8.1 #earthquake has prompted a #Tsunami watch for Hawaii. The potential threat is still being evaluated there and for the west coast of North America by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. pic.twitter.com/yaaanJLw2M

— Ed Piotrowski (@EdPiotrowski) March 4, 2021

An 8.1 magnitude quake is a rare and “very notable event” professor Tim Stern told the NZ Herald. "The first ones were 7.3 and 7.4, and I thought, well, they're okay. The 7.3 was 90km deep and that doesn't generally produce tsunamis," Stern said to the paper. "But the magnitude eight event is something different again, with a big difference in energy.”

Residents in affected areas are reporting early signs of tidal waves as the sea recedes.

Sea calm but receding up on Karikari peninsula as we wait for the big wave. #nztsunami pic.twitter.com/ktv8wz8QYr

— Dr Anna Barry (@dramb83) March 4, 2021

GNS says there is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, small boats, and anyone in or near the water in these areas.

The insurance industry is preparing for what might be coming. 

Boats sailing out of sea from the Bay of Islands near #Russell, #NewZealand after #Tsunami alert. #Earthquake #TsunamiAlert

pic.twitter.com/ym8kDHivTg

— Michael Barthel (@RealMiBaWi) March 4, 2021

"Everyone is focused on following the guidelines right now and making sure everyone is safe in the affected areas,” a BrokerWeb Risk Services spokesperson told Insurance Business.

“Nothing has hit yet, and we’re going to hope it stays that way - but time will tell. There haven’t been any earthquake damage assessments yet."