The powerful earthquake was the third to hit the area Friday morning, according to the New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency.
The east coast of the North Island from the Bay of Islands to Whangarei, from Matata to Tolaga Bay including Whakatane and Opotiki and Great Barrier Island are all included in the tsunami warning.
“The earthquake may not have been felt in some of these areas, but evacuation should take place immediately as a damaging tsunami is possible,” the agency said.
“ People in all other areas who have felt a prolonged or strong earthquake that makes it difficult to get up, or who have lasted longer than a minute, should immediately move to the nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible. . “
The statement adds that the evacuation message overrides Covid-19’s advice.
This is a story in progress. More to come.