Major earthquake triggers tsunami warning and evacuations in New Zealand

Major earthquake triggers tsunami warning and evacuations in New Zealand

Thousands of people have been evacuated in coastal areas of New Zealand’s North Island after a powerful 8.1-magnitude earthquake off the coast prompting a tsunami warning.

The quake was one of three to strike New Zealand in a day, with emergency orders in coastal regions urging people to head away from the water and onto high ground.

There were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties before the warning was downgraded