A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand on Thursday, July 16, 2026, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning and order immediate evacuations for coastal areas in the South Island. The tremor hit at approximately 11:04 local time, 40 kilometres north of Te Anau in southwestern New Zealand, according to the country's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Evacuation Orders Issued for Coastal Areas
NEMA released a statement urging residents in several regions to move to higher ground without delay. The warning specifically targeted the West Coast of the South Island, from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point. The agency stated: "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."
Officials emphasised that even if the earthquake was not felt in some locations, evacuation should be immediate due to the potential for a damaging tsunami. The message added: "The earthquake may not have been felt in some of these areas, but evacuation should be immediate as a damaging tsunami is possible."
Impact and Response
New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the response, with local civil defence authorities activating evacuation protocols. The earthquake's epicentre was in a remote area, but the tsunami risk extends along the sparsely populated but tourist-visited coastline. No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been confirmed.
Residents and visitors in the affected zones are advised to follow instructions from local authorities and avoid returning to coastal areas until the all-clear is given. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is monitoring the situation and may issue additional updates as the event develops.
