New Zealand authorities on Thursday lifted the tsunami alert that was triggered after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit the west coast of the South Island.
“This notice marks the lifting of the alert,” said the National Emergency Management Agency, explaining that the earthquake had turned out to be less powerful than initial estimates announced.
After initially advising residents of affected areas to “immediately go” to higher ground, the agency recommended that they be wary of “strong and unusual currents” near the shore.
