Two-metre Tsunami hits New Zealand after multiple quakes

A two-metre high tsunami has struck New Zealand’s east coast after a powerful earthquake hit the South Island.

New Zealand's Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management warned of the risk of destructive waves along the country's entire east coast and urged residents in low-lying areas to evacuate and seek higher ground.

Anna Kaiser, a seismologist at GNS Science said a tidal signal or surge of up to one meter (3 feet) had been recorded in North Canterbury region of the South Island.

"That's reasonably significant so people should take this seriously," she told Radio New Zealand.

The quake was centered 91 km (57 miles) north-northeast of Christchurch, the biggest city on New Zealand's South Island. A 6.3 quake there in February 2011 killed 185 people and caused widespread damage.

Residents in Wellington said glass had fallen from buildings into the streets and hotels and apartment buildings had been evacuated. (Reuters)

Courtesy - Internet