6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits New Zealand's South Island, Tsunami Alert Issued

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Te Anau, a tourist town on New Zealand's South Island, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami alert. According to New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency, the epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 40 kilometers north of Te Anau, a gateway to the scenic Fiordland region. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported the earthquake's magnitude as 5.9 and its depth as more than 50 km. A tsunami alert was issued for New Zealand's coastal regions. The New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency continues to warn of a potential tsunami in coastal areas following the earthquake.