A strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of New Zealand's South Island on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 2:43 PM local time, causing widespread alarm among residents. The quake, initially reported as a magnitude 7, was later downgraded by the United States Geological Survey to 6.7 and occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) about 160 kilometers (99 miles) northwest of Snares Islands, according to Reuters.

More than 4,700 people reported feeling the tremor, prompting authorities in the Southland and Fiordland regions to issue a coastal warning. The National Emergency Management Agency advised residents to evacuate marine areas due to strong and unusual currents, which could pose a threat. "People on boats, live-aboards and at marinas should leave their boats/vessels and move onto shore," they stated, urging caution in the affected zones.

Eyewitness accounts highlighted the quake's impact, with reports of items falling off shelves and buildings swaying. "We had things fall off shelf. The outdoor wooden table dancing," commented one local on social media, reflecting the seismic activity felt across the region, as reported by Al Jazeera.

While residents were advised to stay away from beaches, Australia's national weather bureau confirmed that there was no tsunami threat to the mainland or its territories. New Zealand, positioned on the seismically active "Ring of Fire," frequently experiences earthquakes, with thousands occurring annually due to tectonic plate movements. The quakes often vary in intensity and can cause significant concern among the local population.

The National Emergency Management Agency continues to assess the situation, assuring the public that there will be updates as more information becomes available. For further details on safety measures and updates regarding the earthquake, residents are encouraged to visit Channel News Asia.