Strong Earthquake Rattles New Zealand’s South Island; Tsunami Alert Lifted

A magnitude-5.9 earthquake struck near Te Anau in New Zealand’s South Island, shaking buildings and triggering a tsunami warning that was later lifted. New Zealand’s emergency agency said the epicentre was about 40 km north of Te Anau. The quake was first assessed at magnitude 6.3, then revised down to 5.9. Although the tsunami alert was cancelled, NEMA warned coastal areas could see strong, unusual currents and unpredictable surges, advising people to avoid beaches, harbours, marinas and rivers.