Significant Earthquake Strikes Near New Zealand’s South Island

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck near New Zealand’s South Island on March 25, prompting safety advisories. Over 4,700 people felt the tremors, leading to reports of falling objects. This event highlights a global increase in significant earthquakes occurring in previously stable areas, including Ukraine and Iran.

On March 25, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale struck near New Zealand’s South Island, as reported by Reuters and GeoNet. The earthquake occurred 160 kilometers northwest of the Snares Islands, with a registered depth of 33 kilometers at 14:43 local time.

The National Emergency Management Agency advised residents in the Southland and Fiordland regions to avoid beaches and marine areas due to potential danger from strong and unusual currents. This advisory particularly concerns the western coastline of the South Island, extending from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point.

More than 4,700 individuals reported feeling the tremors, with local media documenting instances of falling objects and swaying buildings, reflecting the earthquake’s impact on the area.

Globally, there has been a noticeable surge in significant earthquakes with destructive outcomes, affecting regions that were traditionally not deemed seismically active, such as Ukraine. Notably, on March 21, a quake occurred near Isfahan, Iran, which is in proximity to a nuclear facility involved in uranium enrichment.

Earlier in March, a smaller magnitude of 2.6 was recorded in Ternopil, Ukraine, while a 3.6 magnitude earthquake struck near Poltava in February. These events highlight the unpredictable nature of seismic activity worldwide.

The recent 6.7 magnitude earthquake near New Zealand’s South Island underscores the ongoing seismic threats faced by the region. The National Emergency Management Agency has taken precautionary measures to protect residents from potential dangers. Additionally, global patterns indicate an increase in significant earthquakes, even in traditionally stable regions, warranting vigilance and preparedness against such natural disasters.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua