Powerful Quake Off New Zealand Triggers Tsunami Warning

A powerful earthquake has struck off the Kermadec Islands of New Zealand, triggering a tsunami in the area, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Center.

With an initial magnitude of 7.9, the quake resulted in a tsunami warning for New Zealand, the Kermadec Islands and Tonga.

Sea level readings confirm that a tsunami was generated. This tsunami may have been destructive along coastlines of the region near the earthquake epicenter, the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Center stated.

USGS added that the quake struck at 7:03 a.m. (local time) on Thursday, 131 miles east of Raoul Island, which is part of the Kermadec archipelago, and was only 30 miles deep.

The Pacific Tsunami Center said waves 2.2-to-2.7 feet high were reported around Raoul Island.

The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Center indicated that waves could reach East Cape in New Zealand within two hours and Auckland within three hours of the quake.

The Kermadec Islands, are 500 miles northeast of New Zealand's North Island.