An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck the Kermadec Islands region in New Zealand on Saturday according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake which occurred at a depth of 152 km (94 miles) was initially estimated by the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre to be of magnitude 6.6 and a depth of 183 km.
The earthquake was felt by residents of nearby areas but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System said that no tsunami warning had been issued following the quake.
The Kermadec Islands are a remote and sparsely populated group of islands located northeast of New Zealand’s North Island. The region is prone to seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire an area where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
In recent years New Zealand has experienced several powerful earthquakes including a magnitude 7.8 quake that struck the South Island in November 2016 killing two people and causing widespread damage.
Source:
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000jh99/executive
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/magnitude-66-earthquake-strikes-kermadec-islands-new-zealand-emsc-2023-03-04/