New Zealand earthquake LIVE: Evacuation order as tsunami alert issued after 6.3 quake

2 hours ago 3

Evacuation should be carried out immediately, officials have urged.

11:42, Thu, Jul 16, 2026 Updated: 11:42, Thu, Jul 16, 2026

Te Anau in New Zealand

(file picture) The earthquake struck 40km north of Te Anau (Image: Getty)

A tsunami alert has been issued by the Civil Defence in New Zealand after a massive earthquake. A 6.3-magnitude quake struck the South Island today, some 40 kilometres north of Te Anau.

Following the tremor, the National Emergency Management Agency urged people living near the coast in the southwest to evacuate. Their announcement read: "Land inundation is likely in the following areas. 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 West Coast of the South Island from MILFORD SOUND to PUYSEGUR POINT. The earthquake may not have been felt in some of these areas, but evacuation should be immediate as a damaging tsunami is possible."

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11 mins ago11:42 Astha Saxena

People urged to follow any instructions regarding evacuation

The National Emergency Management Agency has requested the people to f ollow any instructions regarding evacuation.

It said: "Listen to local Civil Defence authorities and follow any instructions regarding evacuation of your area. If you are told to evacuate do not stay at home.

"Do not return until an official all-clear message is given by Civil Defence.

"Walk, run or cycle if at all possible to reduce the chances of getting stuck in traffic congestion."

25 mins ago11:28 Astha Saxena

National Emergency Management Agency statement

National Emergency Management Agency said in a warning: "Land inundation is likely in the following areas.

"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."

34 mins ago11:19 Astha Saxena

Which areas felt the tremors?

People from across the South Island, including Otago, Southland and Canterbury, reported feeling the shaking.

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35 mins ago11:18 Astha Saxena