5.9-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes New Zealand’s South Island, Tsunami Alert Issued
Brief By Newsbrief / 5:38 PM on 16 Jul 2026
A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck the west coast of New Zealand's South Island on Thursday, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami alert and urge residents in vulnerable coastal areas to move to higher ground immediately. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake's epicentre was located about 42 kilometres north-northwest of Te Anau. Tremors were felt across several parts of the Southland region, including Queenstown and Milford Sound. As of now, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage, while emergency agencies continue to monitor the situation.
New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) issued precautionary evacuation advice for coastal communities stretching from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point. The agency warned that people who experienced strong or prolonged shaking near the coast should not wait for official sirens and should instead move immediately to higher ground. Authorities also cautioned that dangerous and unusual sea waves could continue for several hours, even if no large tsunami is immediately visible.
Emergency officials have advised residents to stay away from beaches, harbours, rivers, and other coastal waterways until further notice. People have also been instructed not to return to evacuated areas until civil defence authorities declare them safe. New Zealand is located along the boundary of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates, making it one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries. The nation has experienced several major earthquakes in the past, including the devastating 2011 Christchurch earthquake, which claimed 185 lives and caused widespread destruction. Authorities are continuing to assess the latest earthquake and will issue further updates as more information becomes available.