No tsunami expected after earthquake off New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND civil defence authorities expected stronger than normal ocean currents and a possible increase in the size of waves around the eastern coast, but no wall of water after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck in the Pacific Ocean north-east of the country.

A tsunami warning was issued for eastern coastal areas of the North Island, including the country’s main city Auckland, with the first surge expected just before 9am local time (10pm Irish time).

However, the US Pacific Tsunami Centre, which issued the original warning after the quake, later cancelled its warning.