• 'Severe' 7.2 magnitude earthquake wakes New Zealand.

'Severe' 7.2 magnitude earthquake wakes New Zealand.

3.39am Update:

A Tsunami Warning for New Zealand coastal areas has been issued following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake this morning.

AREAS UNDER LAND AND MARINE WARNING:

Coastal inundation (flooding of land areas) is expected in the following areas:

The East Coast of the North Island from CAPE RUNAWAY to TOLAGA BAY.

Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges near the shore are expected in the following areas. This means a threat to beach, harbour, estuary and small boat activities.

ALL OTHER COASTAL AREAS OF THE NORTH ISLAND, GREAT BARRIER ISLAND, THE SOUTH ISLAND, STEWART ISLAND and the CHATHAM ISLANDS.

The first waves may reach New Zealand in the areas around East Cape at approximately 3:34am New Zealand Standard Time.

The severity of currents and surges will vary within a particular coastal area and over the period this warning is in effect.

Update: While assessing the earthquake, Civil Defence is advising the following:

Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates, and NZCivilDefence Twitter

Listen to local Civil Defence authorities

Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, this includes boats)

Stay off beaches and shore areas

Do not go sightseeing

Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

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A 'Servere" earthquake shook the country this morning, 5th March,  at 2:27am.

GeoNet reported the 7.2 magnitude event occured 95 kms East of Te Araroa at a depth of 81kms. 

Thousands have reported feeling the shaking from the entire length of the country. 

GeoNet can be accessed under the Weather | Travel section of the Hawke's Bay App. 

More to come...

Civil Defence has issued the folloing update (as of 2:49am)

For more free local news head to www.hbapp.co.nz

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