Iran press/ Asia: A tsunami warning was issued for New Zealand. Residents from the Bay of Islands to Whangarei, Matata to Tolaga Bay, and the Great Barrier Island were advised to move to high ground, according to New Zealand officials.
A tsunami watch was issued for the Hawaiian Islands after the latest earthquake, according to a local news source.
Earlier Thursday, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake was felt off the Kermadec Islands, according to the US Geological Survey.
A tsunami advisory was issued by the New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency after the second quake.
Strong and unpredictable currents are expected along the east coast of the North Island from Cape Runaway to Tolaga Bay, officials said.
The US Tsunami Warning System predicted waves of 1 to more than 3 feet but later said that threat had passed.
The US Geological Survey said the first major quake was centered at a depth of 6 miles under the ocean about 111 miles northeast of Gisborne. Residents of Gisborne reported light-to-moderate shaking, it said.
The New Zealand Emergency Management Authority advised anyone near the coast who felt the quake to move to the closest highest ground.
The quake was reported to be felt in cities including Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Whanganui, and Tauranga. Auckland residents reported feeling 20 seconds of the quake.
Government agencies in Australia and the Philippines are reporting no threats of tsunamis to their regions. The Mariana Islands are also reportedly in no danger.
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