Powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake jolts New Zealand; tsunami warning issued

An earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck near the town of Te Anau on New Zealand's South Island, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning.The quake's epicentre was located about 40 km (25 miles) north of Te Anau, the gateway to the popular Fiordland tourist region, according to New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency.Authorities urged people in coastal areas to move to higher ground immediately after the earthquake struck, advising them to leave vehicles behind if necessary and evacuate on foot to avoid being caught in traffic.The tsunami warning remains in effect for New Zealand's South Island west coast, from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point, the country's National Emergency Management Agency said.The Agency warned that "Land inundation is likely in the following areas."It urged residents in affected coastal areas to evacuate immediately. "People near the coast in the following areas must move immediately to the nearest high ground, out of tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible.""The earthquake may not have been felt in some of these areas, but evacuation should be immediate as a damaging tsunami is possible. Walk, run or cycle if at all possible to reduce the chances of getting stuck in traffic congestion," it added.New Zealand lies along the boundary of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates and is home to numerous active and dormant volcanoes, making it one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries. The South Island's largest city, Christchurch, was devastated by a powerful earthquake in 2011, when a shallow tremor struck just 6 km (4 miles) from the central business district, killing 185 people.Catch the latest world news and top headlines. Download the TOI App.